KEY POINTS:
Police have launched a homicide inquiry after an elderly man discovered dead in the Bay of Plenty on Tuesday was found to have suffered extensive injuries before his death.
The 78-year-old man was today named as John Alan Rowe.
Police were called to Mr Rowe's home in Windsor Street, in Opotiki, about 7.30am yesterday after being alerted by a local resident.
Detective Inspector Rob Jones said an "initial examination of the interior of the victim's house indicates that the victim has suffered extensive injuries prior to his death".
Mr Jones would not comment further on the nature of Mr Rowe's injuries but said a post-mortem examination of his body would be completed around midday on Thursday.
Thirty staff were working on the homicide investigation and police and forensics staff were conducting a detailed scene examination, he said.
Police appealed for anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the Windsor, Richard, Ford, or St John Streets overnight on Monday to contact them 07-315-1110.
- NZHERALD STAFF
