Police probing the death of a man in Auckland’s Blockhouse Bay yesterday are “urgently” appealing to the public for help as an alleged killer remains at large.
A scene examination was continuing in “Operation Elba” today following the alleged “murder” at about 11.30am yesterday, police said.
Emergency services were called to the incident where a man was reportedly injured by another person on Rathlin St — at the entrance to the Blockhouse Bay Recreation Reserve and the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club.
Arriving officers found the man with life-threatening injuries, who later died at the scene.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said police were still looking for “the person responsible” as a homicide investigation continues.
“This is an absolute tragedy, and investigators are working hard to establish the circumstances leading to, and following the murder. While the investigation is in its early stages, we urgently need information from the public that could assist,” he said.
“While we remain open-minded, police believe the offender may have left the scene on foot following the incident.”
Formal identification of the victim was expected to be completed today, according to police, as a post-mortem examination continues.
“We understand how unsettling this event will be for our community and we are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area around the clock.”
Baldwin said police urgently wanted to gather footage and speak to witnesses.
“We are eager to gather any CCTV, dashboard camera or security footage from the Blockhouse Bay area around 11.30am yesterday.”
He said police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Rathlin St area.
“We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us.”
A spokesperson for the tennis club told 1News yesterday an incident had occurred nearby “but we are unable to give any information at this stage”.
People with information are urged to contact police on 105, citing file 240824/4136.
