Hit-and-run probe in Northland

Northland police believe a man found dead on State Highway 12 near Maungaturoto, south of Whangarei, early yesterday morning had been hit by a large vehicle that did not stop.

The man, aged in his late teens or early twenties, was found in a lane of the highway shortly before 5am.

Rural support officer for St John in Northland Mark Going said the man was wearing dark clothes and had suffered multiple injuries. It is understood he was found by local dairy factory workers going to work.

Maungaturoto constable Llew Smart said police wanted to talk to the driver of a large vehicle they believe hit the man as he walked on the eastbound lane of the highway.