To be attributed to Detective Inspector Kevin Burke, Investigations Manager, Northland Police.
At 10.53pm last night, Police were advised that a man had been found badly injured at a residential property in Te Kao (46 k's south of Cape Reinga), Northland.
Police and ambulance were immediately deployed and upon arrival, it was confirmed that the 77 year-old occupant of the house was deceased, and that his injuries were from a knife.
A 38 year-old man was arrested shortly after. He will be interviewed by Police this morning and is expected to appear later on today in the Kaitaia District Court. At this point the exact charges have not been confirmed and a further release will be made when they are confirmed.
"We have been working through the night to establish the circumstances of what has occurred here. The alleged offender and the victim are long-time family friends. After the alleged attack, the 38 year-old man has gone to another friend's house and spoken with them. As a result of what he has said, Police have been called. The alleged offender remained at the property during this time, and when Police arrived, he was taken into custody without incident" says Detective Inspector Burke.
"Police are not looking for anyone in relation to this" he says.
Police and Victim Support are assisting the victim's family. The name of the victim is not expected to be released today.
ENDS
Beth Bates/NZ Police