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Man charged with murder following Tokaanu incident

Monday 7 May 2012, 1:25PM

By New Zealand Police

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TURANGI

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of Tokaanu man Gordon Alfred Tunnicliffe, 64, after an incident in his home near Turangi early on Saturday, 14 April.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper, of Bay of Plenty Police, said the 21-year-old had been arrested by Police and charged with assault shortly after the incident. However, the charge had today (Monday 7 May) been upgraded to murder as a result of further Police inquires, including the analysis of post-mortem results.

The charged man remains in custody and will appear in the Taupo District Court tomorrow (8 May).

Mr Tunnicliffe died in Cranford Hospice, Hastings on 28 April, two weeks after the incident in his home near Turangi.

Mr Loper said Mr Tunnicliffe’s family had been advised of the murder charge and Police would continue to work closely with the family to keep them informed.

Police will be making no further comment at this stage.