Two further arrests in Rotorua homicide

Rotorua Police have made a further two arrests this afternoon in relation to the murder of a 64 year old man in Kuirau Park earlier this week.

A 20 year old Rotorua man has been arrested and charged with murder and he will appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow. A 14 year old Rotorua youth has been arrested and charged with assault and he was to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court this afternoon.

This follows the arrest of a 21 year old man last night and a 15 year old this morning in connection with the incident. The 21 year old has been charged with murder and the 15 year old has been charged with assault.

The Bay of Plenty Police Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Mark Loper, says it is likely that further charges will be laid in connection to the case.

Detective Inspector Loper says it is expected that Kuirau Park will be fully reopened to the public late this afternoon, once forensic mapping is completed.

"A blessing was held at the scene of the incident just after midday today. This is an important step for most incidents of such a serious nature, but particularly so in Rotorua.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience while we have undertaken this critical investigative work."

There will be no further media update today.