Death may be linked to broken window

Police are trying to find out how a 16-year-old ended up bleeding to death in Ngaruawahia and whether his injuries are linked to a smashed window near where his body was found.

The teenager was spotted lying dead on Herschel St early yesterday by a motorist.

Police wouldn't comment last night on circumstances surrounding the death but said that it was clear the boy died from extensive blood loss. They haven't publicly named him but said he was from Ngaruawahia.

He was wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, white cap and brown Converse basketball boots when he was found.

An autopsy will be carried out in Auckland today and the death will be referred to the coroner.

"The police investigation involves the examination of two scenes, one where the body was found, the other at the nearby Ngaruawahia fire station where a window was smashed," said Detective Inspector Greg Nicholls. "Both scenes are in proximity to one another."

Anyone with any information about the death, or who saw anything suspicious in the area, is asked to contact Hamilton police on (07) 858-6200.