Man appears in court charged with murder

A 64-year-old man has appeared at Tauranga District Court this morning charged with the murder of a woman in Bell Street, Tauranga yesterday afternoon (Friday, 20 July).

Police have now formally identified the woman in her 50s and notified her next of kin but are unable to release her details as both she and the accused have received interim court name suppression.

The man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Tauranga District Court on Monday.

A forensic examination of the scene is underway and is anticipated to be completed later today. A post mortem will then be carried out on Monday to establish cause of death.

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.