Man murdered outside Whangarei club

A young man is dead following an altercation outside a nightclub in Whangarei early this morning.

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 19-year-old was found dead on Vine St about 5.45am.

Inspector Paul Dimery said the victim had suffered head injuries, but that no weapon was involved.

"It appears that there was a verbal argument inside the nightclub, and that it escalated into a physical altercation outside on the street afterwards," he said.

Inspector Dimery said one of the men appeared to be intoxicated.

A 19-year-old Whangarei man is assisting police with their enquiries.

Inspector Dimery said Vine St was one of the city's nightspots and there were witnesses to the altercation.

He urged anyonein the area from 5.00am to 5.30am to contact him on (09) 430 4500.

-NZPA