Man who died in Whanganui is named

A 25-year-old man who died following an altercation at an address in Whanganui has been named as Yusef Zurich.

Mr Zurich was one of a number of people who had been socialising at the Bedford Avenue address throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening (1 November). At approximately 11.40pm Police received a report of a disturbance at the address. Around the same time Mr Zurich was driven from the address to Wanganui Hospital where he died a short time later.

A post mortem was carried out today which has determined that Mr Yusef died as the result of a severe wound to his arm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby said: "It is not prudent for me to discuss the injury or the likely cause of the injury in any greater detail it is vital that the accounts of witnesses who were at the address are not tainted by what they see or hear in the media."

Police are continuing to take detailed statements from those people at the address and area enquiries are being undertaken to identify other potential witnesses to events on Tuesday night. The scene examination is ongoing as is likely to continue for another day or two.

Police want to hear from anyone who was at the address on Tuesday who hasn't yet been spoken to by Police, and are interested in the movements of Red Ford Telstar vehicle. It is believed that this vehicle was in the Bedford Avenue area and is also the vehicle used to transport the deceased to the hospital.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.