Slain journalist suffered 'extensive' brain injuries

Radio New Zealand journalist Phillip Cottrell. Photo / 3 News

A Radio New Zealand journalist who died after a savage beating suffered extensive brain injuries, police say.

Phillip Cottrell was attacked and robbed in central Wellington around 5.30am on Sunday after an overnight shift as a bulletins editor for the state broadcaster.

The 43-year-old was viciously beaten and robbed. He was found by a cab driver on Boulcott St minutes after the attack.

He died on Sunday afternoon without regaining consciousness.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said a post-mortem examination was completed late this afternoon.

"Preliminary results indicate Mr Cottrell's injuries were consistent with blunt impact trauma and multiple fractures to his head, neck and extremities (left arm), including extensive brain injuries."

Mr Miller said a courier driver who had been in the area at the time had been found but police were still seeking a male and a female walking in the area, as well as a taxi driver.

"We do not believe any of these people are connected in any way either but would like to speak to them to ascertain if they saw or heard anything suspicious," Mr Miller said in a statement.

A large amount of CCTV footage had been obtained and staff had begun to analyse it, a process that would take some time.

"I remain confident that we will locate those persons responsible for this vicious and cowardly attack and bring them to justice," Mr Miller said.