Monday, 28 June 2010 - 2:50pm |
National News

Hamilton suspicious death release 4

2 min read

The central Hamilton scene where a man's body was found lying near public toilets yesterday has been reopened following a blessing this afternoon.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene of the Hamilton CIB said the initial scene examination had been completed to such a degree that it was possible to allow the public back in the area.

"Our area canvas is still underway with staff still working to try and identify this man while specialist searchers are carrying out searches over a wider area at this time.

"We've been very fortunate to receive several calls from the public following appeals for information but unfortunately none of those calls have led to the identifying of the dead man."

Mr Greene said significant support had also been shown by residents and business owners inconvenienced by not being able to access the scene.

"We're conscious such closures effect a variety of people however it is important that the integrity of the scene is maintained so we can assure the next of kin all that can be done is being done it terms of investigating their loved one's death.

"We'd like to thank those people for their patience and cooperation which is appreciated by all those involved in the case."

Police still wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen a male Caucasian, aged in his late 50s-60s in the area around London and Victoria Streets before the discovery of the man's body about 6am yesterday.

"Our victim was wearing light tan pants, a white jacket with light blue trimming including woollen sleeve cuffs and pockets, a dark brown jersey under his jacket and brown slippers when he was found.

"Our priority at this stage is identifying him so we can inform next of kin, while we have received a number of missing person reports over the weekend none match the description of the deceased."

A post-mortem scheduled to commence in Auckland at midday has been delayed and it is unlikely information on the cause of death will be made available until tomorrow.

End