Young men charged over Rotorua death

Police investigate the scene where a body was found in Rotorua's Kuirau Park. Photo / Ben Fraser

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder over the death of a man whose body was found in a Rotorua park this week.

A 15-year-old youth has been charged with assault over the death.

The body of a 64-year-old man, whom police named today, was found at Kuirau Park early on Tuesday. He had suffered significant injuries.

He was Roman Henry Skorek, a New Zealand resident of Polish descent who had been living here and in Niue.

The 21-year-old unemployed Rotorua man was arrested last night and would appear in Rotorua District Court this morning.

Bay of Plenty police district field crime manager Detective Inspector Mark Loper said the 15-year-old would appear in Youth Court today.

It was likely more serious charges would be laid.

Search warrants were executed at three Rotorua properties this morning, and it was likely more people would be arrested and additional charges laid as the investigation progressed, Mr Loper said.

The investigation team located further items of interest overnight in relation to the homicide, including property belonging to the victim.

The police dive squad, which had been at Kuirau Park, would now focus on Utuhina Stream.

Police had informed Mr Skorek's next of kin overseas of his death.