Enquiries continue into Whangamata death

Forensic scientists arrive to examine the scene of the homicide at Whangamata. Photo/file

The suspicious death of a man in Whanagamata remains unsolved, for now.

Police have collected a number of items for forensic examination from the Achilles Ave property where Ivan Peter Kapluggin, 76, was found dead last week.

Officer in charge of the Operation Tiger homicide investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley, said: "A post-mortem conducted in Auckland last week revealed Mr Kapluggin's death was suspicious and due to wounds he had suffered.

"While those forensic examinations are underway investigators have identified a number of areas where the public may be able to play a part in helping Police piece the puzzle together."

Mr Pitkethley said police were particularly keen to speak to anyone around Achilles Ave area either on foot or in a vehicle between 11pm last Monday or 3am on Tuesday who hasn't already spoken to them.

"These persons may unknowingly hold information key to investigators working to establish who, or who wasn't, in the area at the time of Mr Kapluggin's death."

Anyone with such information is asked to contact the Op Tiger enquiry team at the Whangamata Police Station on 07 865 0300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.