Murder inquiry launched after fatal assault

A homicide investigation after the victim of a serious assault in Northland died this afternoon. File photo / NZ Herald

Northland police have launched a homicide investigation after the victim of a serious assault died this afternoon, police say.

About 11am yesterday police were called to an address north of Kaitaia, police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said.

A 54-year-old Kaitaia man was found unconscious and was taken to Kaitaia Hospital and then transferred to Whangarei Hospital where he died just after 4pm.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assault.

The name of the deceased man will not be released until next of kin have been notified, Ms Kennett said.

- NZPA