Inquiry into Tribesman gang member's death upgraded to homicide investigation

Police are seeking information about this vehicle. Photo / Police

An inquiry into the death of a Tribesmen motorcycle gang member has been upgraded to a homicide investigation.

Police today said witness accounts and forensic examinations of the scene and motorcycle showed the crash that killed Don Henry Turei Junior was a deliberate act.

"We believe Mr Turei was purposefully hit by a white Honda Odyssey-type van, which immediately left the scene of the crash," Detective Inspector Lew Warner said.

"We are continuing to seek information and sightings of a white Honda Odyssey in the Raukokere area on 25-26 November.

"The burnt out vehicle was found near the banks of the Raukokore River not far from where Mr Turei died. We know someone out there will have information on who may have committed this crime."

Police said they would like to speak to anyone who had seen the white Honda Odyssey in the Raukokere area over that weekend.

They also wanted to speak to anyone who had seen the driver or passengers, or had who saw the white Honda Odyssey end up burnt out near the river.

"Mr Turei's family are preparing for their first Christmas without him and we are doing everything we can to find the people responsible and hold them to account. If you even suspect you might know who did this, do the right thing and tell us what you know," Warner said.

"We hope solving this crime will go some way towards bringing closure to Mr Turei's family."

Information can be reported to Bay of Plenty police on 07 349 9554 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. People can also send a private message to the Bay of Plenty Police District Facebook page.