Police can now name the 50-year -old man found dead in Tauranga as security guard Lance Michael Scullin of Merivale.
The man was found dead by neighbours at approximately 10am yesterday (Sunday, 1 December) at an address in Kesteven Avenue.
Mr Scullin was a Merivale Neighbourhood Support Group Co-ordinator and was assaulted after providing assistance to members of the public during an altercation outside his home.
A post mortem conducted this morning in Auckland was inconclusive and police await further testing to establish the cause of death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner stated that police are seeking the weapon used in the assault. This is described as a 200 x 25 (8 x 1) fence paling painted with a dark brown fencing paint. Police have located a portion of this paling in the Merivale school and are seeking the public's assistance to located the rest which could be discarded in the Merivale area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner stated that police had responded to a disorder incident in Kesteven Avenue shortly prior to 10 pm on Saturday night and had spoken with Mr Scullin who had a minor injury. Despite Mr Scullin making no complaint police officers spoke to people in the area and conducted patrols to locate those responsible.
The enquiry team remain focused on identifying and locating those responsible for the assault on Mr Scullin and seek the communities assistance in identifying those who are responsible for the attack on a man who has provided assistance to that community.
Police want to hear from anyone in the area last night or this morning who has any information that may assist with this investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.