Police raid gang houses close to site of teenager's death

1:00 pm

More than 70 armed police raided Mongrel Mob properties early this morning, near the Palmerston North house where the body of a 16-year-old gang prospect was found shot dead.

Detective Dennis O'Rourke said police were executing search warrants as part of their investigation into the death of Wallace Whatuira, whose body was found last Wednesday on the front lawn of a house in Coventry Street - around the corner from the searched properties in Cowley Place.

Police have confirmed Mr Whatuira had affiliations with Black Power.

Armed offenders squad police from Wanganui and Palmerston North were supported by police from Hawke's Bay and Wellington.

Detective O'Rourke said that although there had been "no aggro" in what was a relatively quiet operation, one person was arrested for breaching bail.

Police escorted one man from the property and carried a bag of items from the scene - although police would not reveal what items were found at the scene.