Barbecue tables were still littered with empty beer bottles yesterday afternoon, the only sign that a rowdy party in Flaxmere had turned tragic, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old man yesterday morning.
Police would only confirm a man was dead and a homicide inquiry had been launched after the Montrose St party.
Detective Sergeant Mike Foster, of Hastings CIB, would not confirm whether a weapon was involved or how the man died.
Mr Foster said police would release more details after the post mortem at Palmerston North Hospital today.
A 25-year-old man was arrested and was to appear in the Hastings District Court today charged with assault. He may face more charges. The victim's name has not yet been released.
The house which was cordoned off yesterday for a scene examination was opened up today.
Police would not say whether the incident was gang-related.
But a man who lived in the house with his family a year ago said there was a lot of Mongrel Mob activity in the area.
``I'm not surprised, they have lots of parties around here,' the man said.
He was visiting family on his old street who had told him the party had been big and noisy before the man had been killed.
LEAD STORY: Party ends with man's death
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