Unexplained sudden domestic related death update III

As detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the unexplained sudden death of a man involved in an alleged violent domestic incident in Hamilton overnight an independent out of district investigator is being appointed to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

Waikato District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said the investigation is still in its early stages but initial indications are a 26-year-old man, who was trespassed from the property in June, has gone to the home of his ex-girlfriend and gained entry into the home.

"Initial interviews suggest when he gained entry into the house an altercation has developed between this intruder and a male occupant of the house."

Mr van der Velde said when Police arrived they found the two men were still fighting and officers placed the man identified as the intruder in handcuffs.

"After a very short period of time, as they were making arrangements for the intruder to be transported back to the Hamilton Station our staff became concerned about the man's wellbeing and asked a nurse present at the dwelling to check the man while calling for ambulance staff to attend.

"Despite the best efforts of the responding medical staff the man was unable to be revived and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The other male involved in the altercation, a 23-year-old man from the house was taken to Waikato Hospital for a medical examination and he and the other occupants of the house are assisting us with our enquiries."

Mr van der Velde said in addition to the investigation into the man's death which incorporates the scene examination currently underway and a post-mortem that will need to be carried out, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been advised and the death has been reported to the Coroner.

"To ensure the independence of the investigation a senior, out of district, investigator has been appointed to head the enquiry and oversee its completion. What has occurred is indeed a tragedy and underscores the importance Police place on domestic violence."

Mr van der Velde said Police are working with the family of the deceased and at this time I would like to express the Police's condolences to his family for their loss.

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