Police are investigating whether the man who was found deceased in Wairoa yesterday morning may have been hit by a vehicle.
The 33-year-old local Wairoa man was found dead on Black Street around 5am on Sunday morning.
“Based on our initial enquiries and the scene examination that was completed yesterday, we believe he may have been hit by a vehicle,” says Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford.
“We are now awaiting the results of a post-mortem and formal identification process that is being conducted in Rotorua today.
“It is likely the vehicle would have sustained damage to the front of it.
“We ask the Wairoa public to contact us if they know of any vehicle that has been damaged since Saturday, or if they have seen anything suspicious like a vehicle being hidden, repaired or cleaned in unusual circumstances.”
Police are also speaking to a number of people who were at a 21st birthday party on Ngamotu Road, in Wairoa, on Saturday night.
"We believe there are people in Wairoa who may be able to assist us with our enquiries and urge them to come forward," says Detective Sergeant Ford.
"We would like to hear from anyone else who attended the party or who was in the vicinity of Black Road between 4am -5am on Sunday morning."
Anyone with information can contact Police on (06) 838 8345 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 080 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre