Homicide Inquiry Launched In Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt Police have launched a homicide inquiry after a man died following a fight in the city last night.

Detective Sergeant Murray Porter, Upper Hutt CIB, said the victim, an Upper Hutt businessman in his 50s, died this morning in Hutt Hospital's intensive care unit. It's hoped a post mortem will be held later today.

The victim, whose name has not yet been released, had last night been at The Coach Bar, part of the Cobb and Co complex in Upper Hutt, watching the rugby and socialising with friends.

He stepped outside with a friend about 9.30pm to have a smoke and became involved in a verbal exchange with another man who had come from O'Reilly's Bar across the street.

"This exchange of words then turned into a short physical scrap. "There were some blows and the older man fell to the ground. The younger man left on foot in towards the CBD. Police have yet to speak with him."

He said people rushed to help the victim and started CPR. This was continued by ambulance officers and the victim was resuscitated several times and put on life support at Hutt Hospital's ICU where he died at 11am today.

People with information relevant to the inquiry are asked to contact Upper Hutt Police.

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