Police seek weapon used in killing

Investigators work near where the injured man was kicked repeatedly as he lay dying. Photo / Alan Gibson

Police are trying to establish who was at a drinking session where a Hamilton man was hit on the head with a weapon and kicked repeatedly by a group as he lay on the ground. dying.

Detective Inspector Russell Le Prou said police were called to the house in Chartwell about 1.30am yesterday and found the 28-year-old unconscious on his driveway. He died shortly afterwards.

He said the man had been struck on the head with a weapon when he and a friend got into a fight with a group of men.

A neighbour told the Waikato Times the man had been hit with a hammer. After he fell to the ground he was repeatedly kicked.

His friend tried to help him and suffered facial injuries.

Mr Le Prou said the victim had earlier had a drinking session in the garage behind the house with a number of people.

Police were trying to find the weapon used in the attack and urged anyone who found a weapon dumped on their property or had information to contact Hamilton Central police station on (07) 858-6200 or call the confidential crime line, 0800 Busthem (0800 287-843).

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NZPA