A homicide investigation has been launched in Northland after a body was discovered in a burnt-out vehicle on a beach near Dargaville yesterday.
Police were notified of a vehicle on fire at Ripiro Beach just after 10.30am on Monday.
Detective Inspector Al Symonds said a body was located inside the vehicle.
“Inquiries are now underway to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.”
A scene guard has been in place overnight and a scene examination will commence this morning at the beach and at a nearby Te Kopuru property.
Symonds said the circumstances surrounding the fire and how the car came to be on the beach are “unexplained”.
“However, our teams are working hard to piece together exactly what has occurred.
“We know that events like this are incredibly concerning for our community.
“While no arrests have been made, police are speaking with a person of interest.
“At this stage we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.”
Symonds also said the incident was unrelated to the death of Dargaville woman Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki
A post-mortem examination and formal investigation of the victim will be carried out in the coming days.
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.
