Murder inquiry after body found in garage

Police have been unable to identify a body found in a garage in New Plymouth.

Police are trying to identify the body of a man, thought to be a homicide victim, found in New Plymouth last night.

The body was found in a double garage behind a Drake Street house about 8pm, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward said.

"At this stage the identity of the victim is unknown, but he is believed to be a middle-aged male of medium to solid build," Mr Coward said.

"The national missing persons database is being checked, but to date no identification has been achieved."

Mr Coward said the occupants of the Drake Street address could not assist with the identity of the dead man.

Scientists, detectives and scene of crime officers were examining the area where the body was found and conducting a full scene reconstruction.

More detectives were carrying out an area canvass on Drake Street and talking to neighbours in the immediate vicinity.

- NZPA