Te Awamutu homicide: Police release man and woman arrested at the scene

Police have released a man and woman who were arrested at the scene of a homicide in Te Awamutu last night.

Police have also confirmed they are “not seeking anyone else” in relation to the incident.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said inquiries into the death of a man in the Waikato town overnight were continuing this afternoon.

“The two people arrested at the scene have now been released, however continue to assist us with our inquiries,” the spokesperson said.

“A post-mortem examination will take place on Friday and Police expect this will inform next steps.

“However, we can confirm we are currently not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.”

The police cordon at the crime scene in Te Awamutu after a man died overnight. Photo / Mike Scott

The spokesperson said police were still working to understand “the full circumstances” surrounding the death.

“Police would like to speak to anyone who might have witnessed this incident who has not yet come forward,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier

Relatives gathered at the scene of a homicide in Te Awamutu after the death of a man on a residential street last night.

Police arrested a woman and a man who are “helping with the investigation”.

A police spokesperson said they were called to a “disorder incident” on Te Rahu Rd near Picquet Hill Rd at 11.45pm.

The crime scene on Te Rahu Rd is a few blocks from a school.

The spokesperson said the man was unconscious and died at the scene despite receiving medical attention.

A Te Rahu Rd resident said he “almost never” heard sirens on the street.

”It’s a quiet road.”

He said he was surprised when he woke up after midnight last night to see the flashing sirens.

”But we had no idea what was going on until we read the reports this morning.”

The police cordon at the crime scene in Te Awamutu after a man died overnight. Photo / Mike Scott

Another resident said she had got up to feed her child just after midnight when she saw blue and red lights reflected on the wall.

”When we saw the blue tent this morning we knew there must have been a death.”

A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested at the scene “without incident”.

The police spokesperson said the two adults were helping with the investigation and charges were being considered.

They said a scene examination was taking place and traffic management was in place.

“Police are very early in our investigation and our focus is on establishing the circumstances leading into the incident and to support the victim’s family.”

The spokesperson said Police were not ruling out further arrests.

“We appreciate this will be concerning to the community and they can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.”

They asked anyone with information to call 105 and reference number 241016/0455.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one ambulance and one helicopter responded to the incident.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.