KEY POINTS:
Five people have been arrested and jointly charged with murder following the fatal bashing of Wanganui man Paul Kumeroa nearly two months ago.
Mr Kumeroa, 29, died of head injuries at Wanganui Hospital after being found unconscious in Cross Street, Castlecliff about 9.50pm on September 23.
He had been walking home from a night out when it was believed he was assaulted by the occupants of a passing car.
In a pre-planned operation about 8.30am today, 15 officers from Taranaki, Tararua, Palmerston North and Wanganui went to three addresses in Wanganui and one address in Patea, in Taranaki.
Three Wanganui men, aged 34, 22 and 17, and two Wanganui women, aged 22 and 19, were arrested.
The 34-year-old man, who was arrested in Patea, will appear in Hawera District Court this afternoon. The other four will appear in Wanganui District Court this afternoon.
Police said the family of Mr Kumeroa, who died leaving a partner of 11 years and an 18-month-old son, had been informed of the developments.
But police believed other people had more information relevant to the investigation.
"Although we have now laid charges our investigation continues and we firmly believe that there are still more people out there with information...particularly in the Castlecliff and Gonville areas," said acting detective senior sergeant Kevin Anstis.
" I would urge those people to make contact with us."
- NZPA
