Dead teenage girl beaten for one-and-a-half hours, police say

Nathan Fenton and Mairina Dunn

Police today confirmed the 17-year-old woman found dead in Whangarei on Sunday was beaten for 1-1/2 hours with a blunt object.

Police launched a homicide inquiry after the body of Mairina Dunn, a student, of Whangarei, was discovered at a suburban Otangarei house.

Northland police communications officer Sarah Kennett said post mortem results released today indicated Ms Dunn died from a prolonged attack with a blunt weapon.

Police believe other people were in the house and witnessed the attack, Ms Dunn said.

Armed police are hunting for Black Power gang member Nathan Fenton in connection with Ms Dunn's killing.

Police yesterday named Fenton - a 31-year-old patched gang member described as armed and dangerous - as a person of interest in the homicide inquiry and warned people not to approach him.

Ms Dunn met Fenton about three weeks ago and he was understood to be living with her.

Police said he left the house on Sunday afternoon.

Ms Dunn's uncle, Jacob Dunn, said his niece was a bright and bubbly young woman who had "hundreds of friends".

Mr Dunn pleaded with Fenton to give himself up sooner rather than later.

He warned the fugitive that Whangarei was too small a town to try to hide in.

Armed police are guarding the house where Ms Dunn died and a full forensic scene examination continues.

Police appealed to anyone with information about Fenton's whereabouts to contact Whangarei police or the nearest police station.

- NZPA