Body at beach sparks homicide probe

Police launched a homicide inquiry yesterday following the death of a 62-year-old man at Whatuwhiwhi in Northland.

The body of the man was located in a vehicle on Tokerau Beach about 10.30pm on Tuesday night. A 61-year-old woman is helping police with their inquiries. There had been no arrests made by yesterday afternoon.

A local woman said the police interest appeared to centre around a house on Inland Rd, where there had been several "domestic" incidents in the past.

"I saw the police there at the house this morning," she said.

However, she was surprised to hear an homicide inquiry had been launched.

"Jeepers, it can happen anywhere," she said. "We're just a quiet sort of area with the normal sort of mix of people."

A woman at the Tokerau Beach Motor Camp yesterday, who declined to named, said she had heard about the investigation but declined to comment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a red Nissan Primera car, registration XU4691, being driven around the Tokerau Beach and Whatuwhiwhi area between 7.30pm and 10.30pm.

Police confirmed they were carrying out a scene examination at an address in Whatuwhiwhi.

The car where the deceased was found is also being examined. ESR will be assisting with the scene examinations.

A post mortem on the deceased is being carried out in Auckland and his name will be released once the next of kin have been notified.

Anyone with information on the movements of the red Nissan is asked to call the Kaitaia Police on 09 408 6500 or if they wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.