Body removed from Rotorua park

The body of a man found in Rotorua's Kuirau Park early this morning has now been removed from the scene and transported to Auckland for a post mortem to be held tomorrow morning.

The Bay of Plenty Police District Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Mark Loper, says the body was located by members of the public at approximately 1:30am.

Detective Inspector Loper says the man had suffered serious injuries and a homicide investigation was launched.

He says an extensive cordon was put in place around Kuirau Park to allow detailed scene examinations to be undertaken, however, the cordon has now been reduced and parts of the park have re-opened to the public.

"A cordon remains in place around some parts of Kuirau Park and it is likely that this will remain in place for the next 24 hours. The Police Specialist Search Group from Auckland has travelled to Rotorua today and will commence detailed searches this evening. This work will continue tomorrow morning.

"Kuirau Park is an extensive area and contains a number of bush, scrub and geothermal areas. It is critical that we search as many parts of the park as is safely possible to ensure that we locate, preserve and retrieve any items that may be relevant to this investigation."

Detective Inspector Loper says Police believe they have identified the deceased man, however, his identify will not be able to be confirmed until the post mortem is complete. He says the man's name will not be released until the identify is confirmed and the next of kin have been informed.

Detective Inspector Loper says ESR staff attended the scene today to support the Police investigation.

He says Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Kuirau Park area last evening or overnight, or if they have any information that may be relevant to the investigation.

"If anyone has any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. People can also provide information anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111."

There will not be any further updates from Police tonight. A further update will be provided to media at approximately 10am on Wednesday 25 January.