Investigation continuing into death of Lower Hutt bus driver

A scene examination is underway this morning at the Waterloo Interchange bus depot, where the body of a bus driver was discovered last night.

Wellington District Crime Services Manager Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich says Police were called around 10pm last night, after the 64 year old driver from Epuni was located with head injuries near a Hutt Valley Flyer bus he had been driving.

"CPR was performed by Ambulance staff but sadly the victim died at the scene. A formal identification of the deceased and a post-mortem examination is being carried out in Wellington this morning."

Detective Inspector Arnerich says Police are in the early stages of their investigation, which they are treating as a homicide.

“Until the results of the post-mortem are complete and a likely cause of death is established, the man’s death is being treated as suspicious. Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of the Waterloo Interchange bus depot last night, between 6pm and midnight who may have witnessed anyone or anything suspicious.”

Mike Arnerich says the Waterloo Interchange would have been busy last night with commuters returning home to Lower Hutt on either train or bus services and we would like to speak to train or bus passenger who may have some vital information to provide us.

“The driver’s cash tin is missing from the scene and Police would like to hear from anyone that may have seen it discarded nearby or anyone who may know the whereabouts of the cash tin now.”

The name of the deceased will be released once a formal identification is carried out this morning and next of kin have been advised.