Two bodies found in Otumoetai house – 23 year old man charged with murder

Tauranga Police have confirmed they are now investigating a double-homicide, after a second body was discovered concealed in a house in the Tauranga suburb of Otumoetai.

The body of a 32 year old female of Indian descent was discovered in the house late yesterday afternoon, following information received via Counties Manukau Police.

The body of a young child, believed to be female, was discovered concealed in the house early this afternoon.

Neither body has yet been formally identified and next of kin are still being advised. A family member, who Police believe is the husband of the dead woman, is currently travelling back to New Zealand.

Police believe the body of the child is that of Anna Sangha, who was the subject of an extensive search operation this morning.

A scene examination is continuing, and Police expect the bodies to be removed this evening for post-mortem examinations in Auckland.

Western Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says until the forensic and post-mortem examinations are complete, Police are unable to confirm how the woman and child died.

He says 25 Police investigators are working on the homicide investigation, while a large number of search and rescue volunteers were involved in the search operation last night and today.

"From the outset, we were aware that there was a young girl missing at the property, and it was absolutely vital that we explored all potential possibilities until circumstances determined otherwise.

"The house is surrounded by extensive reserves, two schools and a number of houses, so it was important that this area was taken into the equation.

"Since discovering the woman's body yesterday, the house has been treated as a crime scene. The house was initially searched, mindful of preserving the integrity of the evidence in the crime scene. The body of the young child was concealed and was found during a detailed search of the house.

"We would like to thank the search and rescue volunteers, members of the public and the media, who all played a role in that search operation today.

"This is a tragic outcome, and one that I think we were all hoping might turn out differently. Until circumstances determined otherwise, it was appropriate that a wider search was undertaken."

A 23 year old male of Indian descent was charged with the murder of the 32 year old woman this morning and he appeared in the Counties Manukau District Court this afternoon. He has been remanded to reappear in the Tauranga District Court on Thursday 10 June when further charges are likely to be laid.

The man currently has name suppression until at least his second court appearance in Tauranga on Thursday. It may be extended at this time.

Inspector Clement says the homicide investigation will continue over the coming days.