Two more arrests over Rotorua murder

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have arrested two more people, including a 14-year-old boy, over the murder of a 64-year-old man in Rotorua.

The body of the Roman Henry Skorek, a Polish man who had been living in New Zealand and Niue, was found in Kuirau Park earlier this week.

A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder and a 15-year-old boy was charged with assault over the death this morning.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper said officers investigating the case had arrested and charged a 20-year-old Rotorua man with murder this afternoon.

A 14-year-old boy had been charged with assault and was set to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court.

He said it was likely further charges would be laid in connection to the case.

Kuirau Park will be fully reopened to the public late this afternoon, once forensic mapping is completed, he said.

"A blessing was held at the scene of the incident just after midday today. This is an important step for most incidents of such a serious nature, but particularly so in Rotorua."

Search warrants were executed at three Rotorua properties this morning.

The investigation team located further items of interest overnight in relation to the homicide, including property belonging to the victim.

The police dive squad, which had been at Kuirau Park, would now focus on Utuhina Stream.

Police had informed Mr Skorek's next of kin overseas of his death.

- HERALD ONLINE