Tauranga assault investigation upgraded to a homicide

The Police investigation into a serious assault on an elderly man in Tauranga has now been upgraded to a homicide investigation, after the 76 year old victim died in Tauranga Hospital around midday today.

Forty-five year old Murray Tait appeared in the Tauranga District Court late this morning charged with assault in relation to the incident. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Tauranga District Court on 30 June. Police say further charges may be laid at this time.

Tait did not seek name suppression.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow says Police are appealing for information from the public about Tait's movements yesterday, particularly between 10am and 3pm.

"We believe Mr Tait may have been driving around Tauranga in a dark blue Subaru Legacy station wagon yesterday. The licence plate is BTT823.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mr Tait or this car yesterday. Please contact a member of the investigation team on 07 577 4300 or 0800 SPEAKUP."

There will be no further update from Police today.