Title: Op Brad; Waihi Beach Homicide Arrest

While pleased to announce an arrest in relation to the murder of a man at Waihi Beach on New Years Day, Police are urging the public not to lose focus and to continue their outstanding support.

Waikato District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Chris Page, said yesterday afternoon Police arrested a Waihi man in relation to the murder of 64-year-old Queensland man, Murray WILKINSON.

"At about 4.30pm officers went to a Union St address in Waihi where they arrested an 18-year-old man who has been charged with Mr WILKINSON'S murder. That man will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court later today charged with murder.

Mr Page said building the investigation to the point where an arrest could be made was reflective of the significant support from the public and the public still has a major part to play.

"We are pleased to have progressed the investigation to this stage, one of most significant things to result from this arrest so far was the opportunity to inform Mr WILKINSON'S family that an arrest has been made".

"The family have been very supportive of the investigation team and they expressed their gratitude for this latest development."

"Though a significant development, the investigation team is urging the public to continue to contact Police with any information or images they may have from in or around the scene, or about anything unusual they may find in or around their properties."

One particular way the public can still help the investigation is that if anyone who was staying at addresses between 01-40 Citrus Ave, Waihi Beach on the night of 31 December-01 January could contact Police.

"This is a new area of focus for us and we would very much appreciate speaking to anyone who was staying in this area over that time period."

Anyone with information related to the scene of last week's attack or on the new area of focus around Citrus Ave is asked to contact the Operation Brad enquiry team who can be found at the Waihi Beach and Waihi Police stations or contacted via the enquiry crimeline; 0800 OP BRAD (0800 672723).

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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