Police warn killer of Flaxmere man: 'We're onto you'

Police have warned those responsible for the violent death of a man in Flaxmere on Sunday night that it is "only a matter of time before we arrive on your doorstep".

The comment comes two days after the death of the man who was found with serious injuries outside the Flaxmere Tavern.

A post-mortem examination was performed yesterday and he will be formally identified after that.

Officers erlier said items of interest were found near the tavern, which remains closed while the investigation is underway.

Detectives work at the fatal scene in Flaxmere. Photo Paul Taylor

Detective Senior Sergeant Marty James is continuing to appeal for people who have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

"There are people in the Flaxmere community who know who is responsible for this man's death," James said.

"We want those people to step up, and get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity.
They can do that anonymously via Crimestoppers if need be."

"And I have a message for the person or people responsible as well: police have a large investigation team working on this case and it is only a matter of time before we arrive on your doorstep. It would be in your best interests to come to us before we come to you."

Community plans karakia

Flaxmere resident Moewaka Hinepare who lives at Swansea Retirement Village, across the road from The Flax Bar and Eatery said she had put a call out on social media for the community and whanau of the man who died to gather for a karakia.

"When the police have done more investigation and it's clear who the person is, we will be holding a karakia. We will keep people updated on Facebook," she said.

•Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (06) 831 0700 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.