Update Hamilton suspicious death, man charged with murder

Hamilton Police investigating a suspicious death at a block of flats in the suburb of Frankton yesterday have arrested a man and charged him with murder.

Detective Sergeant Daryl Smith of the Hamilton CIB said the charge relates to an incident at a block of flats on Wha St about 4.45pm.

"Emergency services were called to the flats after reports of a man being assaulted. They arrived to find a 38-year-old man lying critically injured on an upstairs walkway of the two storey accommodation block.

"As St Johns staff attempted to treat the victim for his injuries the man died. A 28-year-old man located in an adjoining flat was initially arrested for assault but has since been charged with murder."

Mr Smith said the offender was interviewed again this morning and will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court later today.

A scene guard was in place overnight and the occupants of six of the eight flats in the building had been found alternative accommodation.

"The priorities for the inquiry team today are speaking to witnesses and completing the scene examination which will be assisted by the arrival of forensic experts from Auckland. The victim's body remained in situ overnight and a post-mortem examination will be carried out once the man's body is able to be removed.

"The victim's family have been provided assistance from Victim Support and were able to carry out a blessing at the scene overnight."