Update on homicide investigation, Northland

Northland police continue to investigate the death of man, who was found deceased in a vehicle in Otangarei yesterday evening.

Police were called to the scene at around 11pm after reports of gunshots in the area.

Police have spoken to witnesses who have reported seeing a person running away from the vehicle, carrying what is believed to be a firearm.

The person is described as being of medium build, between 170-180cm tall and wearing a black hoodie with light coloured track pants.

Police have not identified this person nor have we located a firearm during searches of the area.

Detective Inspector Kevin Burke says he wants to assure members of the Otangarei and wider Whangarei community that there is a number of staff working on this investigation.

“We have no information to suggest that there is any on-going risk to members of the public however identifying and locating the person or persons involved in this incident is our number one priority.” Says Detective Inspector Burke.

Forensic experts from ESR have travelled from Auckland and are undertaking a scene examination.

This is expected to be completed later this evening.

The body will then be removed from the scene and taken to Auckland where a post-mortem is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe the victim is a 25-year-old male.

Police are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and the events leading up to it.

If you have any information that can assist police then please contact the Whangarei Police Station on 09 430 4500.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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