Five people arrested in relation to Fleet deaths

Rotorua police have today arrested five men in connection with the deaths of Raymond and James Fleet.

All men face a range of charges, with three being charged with two counts of murder, one man facing two counts of manslaughter and the fifth person facing a range of methamphetamine-related charges.

The uncle and nephew, aged 51 and 25, were reported missing on August 10 and a double homicide investigation was launched following the discovery of their bodies in Mamaku Forest on August 17.

The five men are facing numerous charges ranging from murder, manslaughter, accessory after the fact of murder, manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of substances, materials and equipment with intent.

Four men, aged 34, 29, 26 and 21, are due to appear in Rotorua District Court tomorrow.

The fifth man, a 26-year-old, is appearing in Whakatane District Court tomorrow.

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi said he wanted to acknowledge Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen and the whole investigation team who had worked tirelessly to hold these men to account.

"This type of incident is extremely rare in Rotorua and I know it has shocked our community.

"We hope the arrests begin to bring some closure for their whanau.

"As the matter is now before the courts, police will not be offering further comment."