Homicide suspect could be anywhere in North Island - police

Homicide suspect Patrick Young. Photo / Supplied

Police have extended their manhunt for homicide suspect Patrick Young outside of Auckland and say he has connections all over the North Island.

Young, 42, is sought over the bashing death of his stepmother's brother, Aran Jenkanying, 56, at a house in Otara last week.

Mr Jenkanying's sister Arunee, 57, was also badly beaten in what police called a "persistent and ferocious" attack.

Young fled immediately after the attack, moments before police arrived.

Police spokeswoman Ana-Marie Gates-Bowey said Young had connections "everywhere" in the North Island and an inter-regional manhunt was underway to find him.

Police described him as dangerous and said the public should not approach him but call 111 immediately. They could not say whether Young was armed.

They also warned anyone who harboured Young knowing he was wanted by police would be committing an offence and that would be treated very seriously.

Mr Jenkanying's life support was switched off a few days after the attack as his family sat at his bedside.

The beating was believed to be the culmination of a row over a home in Otara jointly owned by Ms Jenkanying and Young's late father Francis.

- NZPA