Homicide investigation launched after assault victim dies

Wellington police have launched a homicide inquiry after the life support system of a 26-year-old father of two assaulted in Upper Hutt early today was turned off this afternoon.

Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said police were appealing for witnesses to the attack, which left the man critically hurt with head injuries and on life support in Wellington Hospital. Life support was turned off in the early afternoon and the man died at 4.10pm, with family present.

Family of the Upper Hutt man, who has two children and seven siblings, are still being notified of his death, and his name was likely to be released tomorrow, police said.

"This is a real tragedy and we're certainly hoping that somebody can help us resolve this," Mr Thomson said, appealing for public help in a press conference today.

The incident occurred on the corner of Princes and Main streets about 1am today, after the man had left a bar. Police knew at least one other person was involved and had already spoken to several witnesses. However, others were yet to come forward, including passers by in motor vehicles, he said.

"We are certainly seeking any witnesses to that event. We know that there were people who witnessed the event, some of them have already come forward and spoken to us but we're still seeking people who were in the area of Princes St and Main St at about 1am this morning.

"There were a lot of people around the inner city of Upper Hutt at that time ... I have no doubt it will be witnesses who help us resolve this matter."

Forensic scientists had been scouring the site and cordons would likely be lifted today. About 20 police officers from around the district were working on the case, and Mr Thomson hoped Upper Hutt's extensive CCTV camera coverage would provide more clues.

Police did not believe weapons were involved and the man had no gang affiliations, he said.

A post-mortem is being held tomorrow, which would likely yield more information on how the fatal injuries occurred.

- NZPA