Bay of Plenty homicide inquiry: Man found dead at Omanawa property

Police at the scene of a homicide inquiry after a man was found dead last night. Photo / George Novak

The body of a man found dead at a property in the Bay of Plenty last night has been removed from the scene.

A homicide investigation is underway after police were called to a house on McLaren Falls Rd, in Omanawa, about 10pm after reports of a person being injured.

"The man was found deceased on police arrival," a police spokeswoman said.

There had been no arrests and a post-mortem was due to take place tomorrow.

Authorities said a person was assisting with their inquiries, which were ongoing and the circumstances of the man's death had not been revealed.

Armed police could be seen up a long driveway on McLaren Falls Rd this morning. A Bay of Plenty Times reporter said the rural road was otherwise quiet.

Multiple unmarked police cars can be seen down the long driveway which has been taped off to the public.

Police in boiler suits can be seen walking in and out of the cordon.

One neighbour said he was not aware of the death but said his wife had heard a gunshot late last night.

Another resident spoken to said she was too far away to hear anything concerning but was aware of neighbouring dogs barking loudly late last night.

She said it was "a lot" to take in, considering there were two deaths this time last year.

Paul Lasslett, 43, and Nick Littlewood, 32, were killed at a McLaren Falls property in February 2020.

Police at the scene on McLaren Falls Rd this morning. Photo / George Novak

Caitlin (who only wanted to give her first name) lives across the road from the scene.

She said she heard a gunshot at 9.50pm. She remembers checking the time in case the gunshot was unusual.

However, she said gunshots weren't uncommon around McLaren Falls Rd with many residents shooting rabbits and more.

"We've just moved back here and let the cat out and all I thought was hopefully he hasn't wondered of and got himself shot.

"I remember hearing all the dogs go off but they generally bark at any loud noise."

She didn't think the gunshot was reason to be concerned she said, as there was only one shot.

An armed police officer guards the cordon at the McLaren Falls Rd property where a homicide investigation has been launched. Photo / George Novak

However, it was unnerving that it was the second homicide in a short amount of time.

She said residents down Walter Henry Drive heard sirens of ambulance and police but she didn't hear a thing.