Man charged in relation to father's death

Police are calling for sightings of this car yesterday. Photo / Supplied

A homicide investigation is under way after an elderly man died in hospital after allegedly being attacked by his son, who then tried to swim away from police.

The victim was identified today as Tauranga resident David Tait, 76.

He was discovered in his home yesterday with serious head injuries.

Police said Mr Tait died in Tauranga Hospital around midday today and a serious assault investigation was upgraded to a homicide investigation.

His son, 45-year-old Murray Tait, appeared in the Tauranga District Court late this morning charged with assault in relation to the incident.

Police allege Tait yesterday attempted to wade and swim through an estuary between central Tauranga and Maungatapu after a huge police chase.

They say he was brought in without resistance from the bitterly cold water and taken away in an ambulance wrapped in a thermal blanket.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow, asked for information from the public about Tait's movements yesterday, particularly between 10am and 3pm.

"We believe Mr Tait may have been driving around Tauranga in a dark blue Subaru Legacy station wagon yesterday. The licence plate is BTT823.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Tait or this car yesterday."

Senior Sergeant Pilbrow said police believed the assault was a domestic-related incident.

Tait has been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Tauranga District Court on June 30. Police said further charges could be laid at this time.

Tait did not seek name suppression.

Anyone with information is asked to contact a member of the investigation team on 07 577 4300 or 0800 SPEAKUP.

- NZHERALD STAFF