Double murder charge over Hokitika deaths

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A man has been charged with two counts of murder and will appear in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow.

Hokitika police confirmed the charges to nzherald.co.nz this evening.

Police launched a homicide inquiry after the apparent double shooting in Hokitika this afternoon.

Officers called to a residential address on Fitzherbert St at about 2.55pm found a "distressed man" outside and the bodies of two men were found on the property, Greymouth area commander Senior Sergeant John Canning said.

Police were speaking to a man in his 40s.

Officers from Nelson and Blenheim have been sent to help local police with their inquiries.

The identities of the two dead men will be released once next of kin have been informed, Mr Canning said.

The two bodies will remain in the house overnight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne McCoy of Nelson police earlier said he believed the incident was a double shooting, although he could not confirm.

Fitzherbert Street is now open, with just an area around the house with the two bodies cordoned off.

- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF & NEWSTALK ZB