Rotorua homicide investigation launched, police seek witnesses

A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man in Rotorua this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Trigg Ave about 12.20pm.

Police said a man was found in a critical condition but died at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said an area of Trigg Ave was cordoned off, but there was not believed to be any risk to the public.

Police were continuing to make inquiries to find those responsible, Van Kempen said.

Police asked anyone who may have seen what happened to get in touch.

Trigg Ave was cordoned off by police. Photo / Ben Fraser

Anyone with information that could help the investigation was asked to call 105 using the job number P063544271. Alternatively, information could be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

A reporter at the scene said police had closed the road near the Distinction Hotel.

The reporter said there were multiple police, fire and ambulance vehicles at the scene.

A police officer was examining a damaged fence.

There was police tape around the end of the street and at a house.

An incident at Trigg Ave where one person has died. Photo / Ben Fraser

Hato Hone St John responded with two ambulances, one manager and one rapid response vehicle.

A police officer was seen kneeling with a woman on the side of the road.

A spokesman for Alpin Motel and Conference Centre, which is on Sala St, said he could see five or six police cars on the road opposite the Distinction Hotel. He said police “totally blocked that area off”.

Alpin Motel backs on to McKee Ave, which he said had also been blocked off by officers.

Police said a secondary incident at Ōwhata appeared to be linked to the Trigg Ave incident.

An incident at Trigg Ave where one person has died. Photo / Ben Fraser

A reporter at Porikapa Rd, Ōwhata, said there were five police cars at a house.

A Porikapa Rd resident said armed police entered his property as they swarmed a neighbouring house.

“One was standing on our tractor with a rifle getting a good view over the fence, but my dog tried to have a go at him [the police officer].”

The man said he called his dog back so it wouldn’t bite the officer.

He said there had been a lot of police action in Ōwhata in the past few weeks, more than he had seen in 10 years of living there.

“It’s sad really, but a sign of the times”.