Results from a post-mortem continuing into the death of a man found lying near public toilets in central Hamilton on Sunday have led detectives to escalate their case into a homicide inquiry.
Waikato Investigations Manager, Detective Inspector Lance Burdett, said though the forensic examinations were still ongoing there was sufficient information available for Police to confirm injuries found on the as yet to be identified victim were not caused accidentally.
"While I can't go into the specifics of the injuries suffered by our victim I can say they are consistent with an assault as opposed to any fall or accident."
A scene examination has been carried out over the past two days while an area canvas is continuing as investigators work to positively identify the victim.
"Our number one priority at this point is establishing the victim's identity so we can inform his family about what has occurred and so we can build up a picture of his movements."
Mr Burdett said the investigation team had been assisted with a lot of information provided by the public and though this hadn't led to the victim being identified it had been of assistance none the less.
"This information has given us a number of avenues to follow up over the past two days.
"An example of this is a rubbish collection company manager who heard about what happened and had the forethought to grab his company's truck before it was emptied. This allowed forensic analysis of its contents to be completed, saving us a lot of time and effort trying to locate contents of rubbish or jumbo bins later on."
Police are continuing to appeal for any sightings of a man aged in his late 50s to early 60s wearing a light blue/ white jacket with dark blue trim and sleeve cuffs, light tan trousers, a dark brown jersey under his jacket and dark brown slippers in the area of London and Victoria Streets on Saturday night.
"As said earlier, while we are investigating a homicide enquiry this person has a family who need to know what has happened to their loved one.
"If you have any information on the movements of this man or how he came to receive his injuries I urge you to make contact with Police. Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
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