Homicide investigation launched in Tauranga

Police in Tauranga have launched a homicide inquiry following the death of a woman this afternoon.

Just before 2pm today (Friday, 20 July) a member of the public reported a dispute between a man and a woman outside a residential address in Bell Street, Judea.

On arrival police discovered a woman deceased by the driveway to the property.

The scene has been cordoned off and will be preserved overnight for a detailed examination tomorrow. An area canvass is underway and Police are speaking to witnesses.

Police believe they know who the woman is but need to formally identify her and notify next of kin. No further details about her will be released until that process has been completed. A man is currently helping Police with their enquiries and it is understood that the man and the woman involved in the dispute were known to one another.

There are reports in the media that the death is the result of a stabbing. Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said: "The investigation is in its very early stages, the scene is still to be examined and a post mortem will need to be held. It would be wrong of me to speculate about the cause of death this early in the piece"

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300. 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.