Murder accused in court over apparent axe attack

A man charged with murder after an apparent axe attack in eastern Auckland has appeared in court.

The 55-year-old victim was found after police were called to a house in Aveline Place, Glen Innes, about 7.30pm yesterday, Auckland City police CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cramer said.

A 28-year-old man appeared in Auckland District Court today charged with his murder.

He was granted name suppression and will undergo a psychiatric assessment before reappearing on April 30.

The accused stood in the dock in a white police boiler suit and had what appeared to be a large bruise under his right eye.

Mr Cramer said the accused and the dead man were known to each other.

No one else was being sought in relation to the incident.

A scene examination was under way, with a number of items of interest found, including an axe.

Neighbours said the dead man was a solo father of a school-aged child.

He had lived at the address for three to four years with his female partner.