A person who suffered serious injuries has passed away, leading police to launch a homicide investigation.
Video / NZ Herald
Police have arrested a 35-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman in relation to the alleged murder of a pensioner at an apartment in Auckland city centre this afternoon.
Police launched a homicide investigation earlier today after the death of a 70-year-old man at an apartment complex on Upper Queen St.
One person died in Auckland City Hospital following the incident, believed to be a stabbing.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said around 1.13pm, emergency services responded to reports of a person with injuries at a residential address on Upper Queen St.
“A person had suffered some injuries and had collapsed,” Beard said.
In a statement about 11pm tonight police said the pair arrested are due to appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow, August 24.
Police are still working to notify the victim’s next of kin and a post-mortem examination will be carried out tomorrow.
“A Police presence will also remain at the apartment building tomorrow, as staff work to complete a scene examination and to speak with other occupants,” police said.
This afternoon, Beard said police had a vehicle of interest which they were examining.
“The two people are currently assisting police with inquiries as we work to determine the circumstances of the death,” Beard said.
“We are now speaking to two people who are assisting us with our inquiries. It’s very early in the investigation.”
Beard said there will be some inconvenience to the public and residents in the area, “but we are doing our best for them”.
“Obviously, our hearts go out to the family of the deceased, but there’s still a lot of work to be done and I won’t have a lot of answers to questions.”
A scene guard is currently in place. There are also armed police in the area.
Beard said more information would be provided when available.
Police appeared to be focused on the back of the carpark, where more scene tape is visible from the road. Photo / Raphael Franks
A friend of a resident told the Herald police arrested a man and escorted him out of the building in handcuffs.
Residents who just returned home were not allowed inside.
A friend of a resident said someone had alleged suffered stab wounds. He said the residents received an email from the building manager.
