No further charges in Kevin Ratana homicide investigation in Whanganui

The Eagle helicopter has left but out-of-town police staff remain in Whanganui to work on the Kevin Ratana homicide inquiry.

Police say no further charges have yet been laid in the Kevin "Kastro" Ratana homicide case.

Ratana, 27, was gunned down in Puriri St, Castlecliff, last Tuesday morning, amid reports of a gang clash in the suburb.

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the inquiry, with five appearing in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday, August 28, on charges that included threatening to kill, participating in organised criminal activity and unlawfully carrying or possessing firearms or restricted weapons.

A police spokeswoman said investigations were continuing and no further charges had been laid.

The police Eagle helicopter, which had been operating in Whanganui during and after Ratana's tangi as part of an increased police presence, is no longer in the region but additional police staff will remain in Whanganui as long as they are required.