Youths in scuffle may hold clue - police

Orange cones mark the scene where a Merivale security guard was found dead.

Police are seeking eight youths who were seen in an altercation in Merivale on Saturday night, who may hold clues to the death of a security guard.

The youths are believed to have been involved in a scuffle at the front of Lance Scullin's home in Kesteven Ave. Mr Scullin's body was found in his back yard by neighbours yesterday.

In a media briefing this afternoon, Detective Sergeant Greg Turner said police were still trying to piece together the puzzle, including the series of events leading to Mr Scullin's death.

Earlier police said Mr Scullin had tried to deal with an altercation outside his home when he was assaulted, suffering a minor injury.

Mr Scullin was a Merivale Neighbourhood Support Group Co-ordinator and security guard and was assaulted after providing assistance to members of the public during an altercation outside his home.

A post mortem conducted this morning in Auckland was inconclusive and police await further testing to establish the cause of death.

Earlier today, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner stated that police are seeking the weapon used in the assault - a 200 x 25 (8 x 1) fence paling painted with a dark brown fencing paint.

Police have located a portion of this paling in the Merivale school and are seeking the public's assistance to located the rest which could be discarded in the Merivale area.

Mr Turner stated that police had responded to a disorder incident in Kesteven Avenue shortly prior to 10pm on Saturday night and had spoken with Mr Scullin who had a minor injury. Despite Mr Scullin making no complaint police officers spoke to people in the area and conducted patrols to locate those responsible.

The enquiry team remain focused on identifying and locating those responsible for the assault on Mr Scullin and seek the communities assistance in identifying those who are responsible for the attack on a man who has provided assistance to that community.

Police want to hear from anyone in the area last night or this morning who has any information that may assist with this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation
Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.