Man sought over mystery death

Police investigating the death of Bruce Coker have today named Chance Slade Rameka as a person of interest in the inquiry. Photo / Supplied

A person of interest has been named by police investigating the murder of a man found lying unconscious on a Wellington street.

Bruce Coker, 49, died last Tuesday after suffering a fatal head injury. He was discovered lying unconscious in Rossiter St, Linden, Tawa, on the previous Saturday evening.

Police officers investigating his death - under Operation Leo - have today named Chance Slade Rameka, 21, as a person of interest in the inquiry.

Rameka has several arrest warrants to his name issued by the Gisborne District Court and the Porirua District Court, police said. The warrants relate to charges of breaching bail and breaching community work.

Both Gisborne and Porirua are regions Rameka is known to frequent and reside, police said.

"Operation Leo detectives want to speak to Chance Rameka as it is believed he was in the Rossiter St area last Saturday night and therefore may hold information of value to the inquiry," Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel said.

Recent attempts to locate him had failed and it was apparent he was actively avoiding police, Mr van den Heuval said.

"We know he was in Cannons Creek on Christmas Eve, we know he's aware he's wanted, but he's choosing to evade us for the time being.

"I urge anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact police immediately. Any information received can be treated in confidence."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Leo team on 04 979 5267, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.