Bay of Plenty stabbing victim named

FILE

Police have named the man who died following a stabbing in Waiohau near Whakatāne.

He was Jamaine Wharton, 31.

The incident happened about 2am Sunday.

People have posted messages of condolence on social media to Wharton's whānau.

One mourner, Jess Faga, wrote in Te Tangi Panui Page on Facebook, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Jamaine Wharton, son of Sherry Wharton (Ranui), brother to Jasmine and Savannah, partner of Rachel Cairns, loving father to Paki, Ivy-Joe, Jayden, Azreal and Deltora, nephew, cousin, friend to many."

"Words cannot express what you are all going through during this time of grief and sorrow."

Faga said Wharton's body was due to arrive in Auckland on Monday night.

"Due to the ongoing investigation process we will update this post as things progress but until then this is as much as we know. We all have questions however we would appreciate your kind words only out of respect for our grieving whanau."

A police spokesperson said police were following lines of inquiry and wanted anyone to come forward who may have witnessed the incident.

''We encourage anyone to contact us immediately with any information which can assist with this investigation.''

Contact police on 105 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.