Police name man killed at birthday party in Invercargill

The 27-year-old died following an alleged assault while at a party held at the Marist Old Boys Football Club in Georgetown. Photo / Google

Authorities have released the name of a man killed while attending a birthday function at a football club in Invercargill last night.

He was local man Chanel Lee Simmonds, who also went by the surname Henwood.

The 27-year-old died following an alleged assault while at a party held at the Marist Old Boys Football Club in Georgetown.

Emergency services were called to the club shortly before midnight. The victim was unresponsive when crews arrived and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Police said this evening that a 32-year-old man has since been arrested for assault and will appear in the Invercargill District Court tomorrow. "The circumstances of the death are currently being investigated by Southland [Criminal Investigation Branch] and as the matter is now before the courts, police are not able to comment further.''

Earlier today, Marist club president Bill Dowling said the function held there had no affiliation with the club and was hired out for a private event.

He said the birthday was initially meant to be held at another venue, but it had been double-booked.

"It could have been anywhere,'' he said.