"Update regarding Mangere homicide investigation"

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faa Vaaelua, Counties Manukau Field Crime Manager:

Police are continuing to make enquiries as the homicide investigation continues into the death of a 17-year-old girl in Buckland Road, Mangere.

The body of the teenager was located by Police at a vacant property late in the evening of Sunday 8th July.

A scene examination, including a forensic analysis of the scene, has been completed over the past two days at the address as we seek to piece together what has taken place.

A post-mortem examination has been completed.

Initial indications from enquiries are that the death occurred sometime during the day on Saturday 7th July.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faa Vaaelua says the investigation is in its early phases, however Police are speaking with several individuals in relation to this matter.

“Any homicide case is a tragedy, however this case involves a vulnerable young female and we are determined to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, which is the priority in our investigation.

“We are also offering support to the family of the victim,” says Detective Inspector Vaaelua.

A formal identification of the victim has now been completed but Police are not in a position to release the name of the deceased as next of kin are yet to be informed.

“We appreciate that there is media interest in this matter, however this is a very complex matter and for investigational reasons, we are only able to release limited information at this time.

“We will provide further information as soon as we are in a position to do so.”

ENDS

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