Suspects in prison killing 'not going anywhere'

Police are questioning a dozen inmates over the killing of a prisoner in New Zealand's top security jail.

Tue Faavae, 23, was found dead in a cell block at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo about 11am on Sunday. He was serving a sentence for aggravated robbery.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby from North Shore said yesterday about 12 prisoners were in the cell block area when Faavae was beaten to death.

He said the suspects and witnesses were "all in custody, so they are not going anywhere".

"We are going to get there. It is just a matter of working through," Mr Libby said.

He would not go into details about the bashing but said a weapon was not believed to have been used.

"It's the result of a physical attack," he said. "It's pretty clear how it was done."

Two police specialist search teams searched cells at the prison yesterday in the hunt for clues.

"We're looking for any items of interest or other information that will help us identify the person or persons responsible for the killing," Mr Libby said.

"There are numerous personal items held in the cells and we'll be rummaging for clues."

Faavai's brother Niko said he and his family wanted answers from the Corrections Department.

- NZPA