Investigations are continuing into the death of a 25-year-old man, who was found deceased in a vehicle in Otangarei on Tuesday evening.
Police were called to the scene around 11pm after reports of gunshots in the area.
Police have spoken to witnesses who have reported seeing a person running away from the vehicle, carrying what is believed to be a firearm. The person is described as being of medium build, between 170-180cm tall and wearing a black hoodie with light coloured track pants.
Work is ongoing to identify this person and searches are continuing to locate a firearm.
A scene examination is now complete and the vehicle is currently undergoing a forensic examination.
A post-mortem is being undertaken this afternoon. This is to establish the cause of death and to formally identify the victim. Police hope to release the name of the victim tomorrow, once all next-of-kin have been notified.
Detective Inspector Kevin Burke says police have received a number of calls from the public with information relating to this event and we really appreciate the community support.
“We continue to ask anyone with information to come forward and assist police with our enquiries.”
“I also want to remind the community that we have no information to suggest that there is any on-going risk to members of the public. The investigation team will continue to work on this until we have identified and located the person or persons responsible for this crime,” Says Detective Inspector Burke.
If you have any information that can assist police then please contact the Whangarei Police Station on 09 430 4500. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police