Police name university student found dead in apartment

A homicide inquiry is underway and police have charged a 21-year-old man who lived with the woman with assault. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Further charges are likely against a man alleged to have assaulted a university student who died in Palmerston North on Friday night.

Virginia Ford, 20, from Dunedin, died at an address in a private apartment block in Massey around 10pm on Friday, police said.

A 21-year-old man was yesterday charged with a domestic violence offence of male assaults female in relation to the incident.

Police launched a homicide investigation yesterday, and a post-mortem examination was carried out today.

It produced preliminary results, police said.

"As further charges against a 21-year-old man in relation to this investigation are likely, police will not discuss the post mortem results," police said today.

Officers were called to the Massey address on Friday night, but were unable to resuscitate Ms Ford, and she died at the scene.

The investigation was ongoing and a scene examination continued today at the property, police said.