Title: Investigation Into The Shooting Of A Road Worker Continues

An investigation is continuing this morning into the fatal shooting of a man in the Kinleith Forest area.

Police can now confirm that the man was in his 60s and was working a stop-go sign at a road diversion controlling traffic over a one-lane bridge on Tram Road.

The man's body will be removed from the scene later this morning for a formal identification and a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Police have spent the night speaking to witnesses and making various enquiries.

From that information Police can confirm that shortly after 3pm yesterday the victim was working at the northern end of the bridge and he indicated for a vehicle to stop to enable a logging truck to cross the bridge from the opposite direction.

As the logging truck cleared the bridge the vehicle that had been stopped by the victim crossed the bridge and headed towards Tirohanga Road. The victim was then seen on the ground having been shot.

From witness information Police are interested in a 4WD style vehicle.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "We appreciate that the community will be concerned by yesterday's tragedy and will want to know what they can do. The community has a significant role to play in this investigation going forward. Every piece of information, particularly in these early hours and days could be vital; no matter how small or irrelevant that information may seem."

Police are particularly keen for people who were in the Atiamuri area and its surrounds to think back to 2.30pm to 4pm afternoon and report to police any vehicle seen speeding or driving erratically.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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