Public silent over Whangarei man's murder

Some Otangarei residents know more about the death of Stanley Wells than they are letting on, Whangarei police believe.

Mr Wells, 41, died in Whangarei Hospital on Saturday of injuries sustained in an apparently unprovoked attack on Friday night near his flat in Matai St.

Whangarei police Detective Inspector Chris Scahill said police continued door- to-door canvassing yesterday.

He said: "We are hearing back but there are still people out there who we believe know more than what they're saying."

Officers were still working out the details of how Mr Wells died, but he would not say how many people were being sought, nor whether he believed a weapon was used.

Mr Wells was attacked as he was walking home late on Friday night. After 11pm, in a disoriented state, he knocked on the door of another Matai St house asking for help.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, but lost consciousness and died about 3.30pm on Saturday.

A post mortem confirmed he died of massive head injuries and haemorrhaging on the brain.

Forty officers are working on the case. Anybody with information about Mr Wells' death should contact the police inquiry team on (09) 430-4591.

- NORTHERN ADOVCATE (WHANGAREI)