Manawatü Police have launched a homicide investigation (Operation Ormond) after the death of a male at a residential property in Woodville yesterday (4 January, 2014) afternoon.
A scene guard has been at the Ormond Street property overnight and a scene examination is currently underway.
Central District Crime Manager, Acting Detective Inspector Dave Kirby says the man's body is still at the address but a priority for Police today will be to remove the body and return the man to his family.
”The deceased male is believed to be in his late 40s and officers are working closely with his family and supporting them through this difficult time. Once the body is removed from the property, formal identification will be completed and a post mortem will follow."
"We are in an information gathering phase at this stage and I am confident that we will have a clearer picture of the circumstances that led up to the man's death in the coming days. The post mortem will also be vital as this will determine how the man has died."
A team of 20 Police staff including officers from Whanganui and the Taranaki are working on the inquiry, as well as ESR and forensic specialists.
"Officers are continuing to speak to residents at neighbouring properties as well as witnesses and persons of interest. We are aware that a number of people had been at the Ormond Street property earlier that afternoon and I strongly encourage anyone that saw any activity at the address including description of people and any vehicles to contact Police," says Acting Detective Inspector Kirby.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Constable Claire Adkins on (06) 210 2201. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The name of the deceased will not be released until formal ID and the post mortem have been completed.
Further updates will be provided once more information becomes available.
ENDS
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