Blockhouse Bay homicide: Violent tennis club slaying in view of ...
Lau did not witness the incident but went to the scene soon afterwards. The victim was still alive when ambulance officers arrived but could not be saved, he said.
”We have lived here for 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Lau said. “We are scared, you know, it is happening in our own yard.”
Police were going to door-to-door on the street seeking footage from residents’ security cameras. Lau said they had asked for footage between 11am and midday yesterday to check for people walking past the club.
Baldwin said police were gathering any CCTV, dashcam or security footage from the Blockhouse Bay area around 11.30am yesterday.
”Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Rathlin Street area.
”While we remain open-minded, Police believe the offender may have left the scene on foot following the incident.
”We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us.
”There will be a visible Police presence in the area as the scene examination continues today.
”We understand how unsettling this event will be for our community and we are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area around the clock.
”Formal identification of the victim is expected to be completed today, and a post-mortem examination is under way.”
Police officers are guarding the scene this morning and officers are stationed on walkways on either side of the park.
A tent has been set up where the incident took place yesterday. A forensics team is now on site.
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“Upon arrival, a man was located with critical injuries,” police said in a statement yesterday.
“Sadly, despite efforts of emergency services, the man died at the scene.”
Police are still seeking a person involved in the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and we are providing them with support at this difficult time.
“Police are now making inquiries to understand what has occurred.”
Yesterday, blood was visible just outside the tennis courts next to a disposable vape. A police photographer, wearing a boiler suit, was focused on this area. Armed police were also at the scene.
A man working near the club told the Herald police had come to his work to investigate an alleged assault.
Officers told him they were “looking for someone”, he said.
Police asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact police as soon as possible.
Information can be provided through 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 , using ‘Update My Report’ with the reference Operation ELBA, file number 240824/4136.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
