Please attribute to Waitematā East Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Nimmo:
Police are aware of media interest following the death of a man in Lucas Heights last week.
The family of the victim are understandably hurting and grieving, and have expressed that they do not wish to be contacted.
They are requesting privacy from media at this sad time and Police ask that media respect their wishes.
At this stage Police are not in a position to release the name of the victim.
Waitematā Police investigating the incident are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the man’s death.
Police were called at around 12.30am on Friday 8 December after a member of the public located a man unresponsive on O’Brien Road after being hit by a vehicle. He was unable to be revived.
Police initially appealed for sightings of a Mazda, which has since been located. The driver is continuing to assist us with our enquiries.
As the investigation is still ongoing, Police are limited in providing further comment other than to say these investigations are complex and expert forensic examinations are undertaken, which will take several months to complete.
Anyone with relevant information, who hasn’t already come forward, is asked to contact Police via its 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report. Please reference file number 231208/4800.
Additionally, any CCTV or dashcam footage can be uploaded here: https://wickham.nc3.govt.nz/(link is external)
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police