Wellington District Police has commenced a homicide investigation into the tragic death of a 30-year-old woman.
Police responded just after midnight to a disturbance at a residential address on Ward Street, Trentham on Saturday 10 December.
The woman, who was believed to be living at the address, had been assaulted with a weapon (not a firearm) and was found deceased at the address.
A post mortem will be undertaken tomorrow and more details around the circumstances of her death established.
Police are seeking three or four males who were believed to be present at the address at the time of the victim being assaulted.
“We understand these males were at the victim’s address and were heard shouting and seen running from the address,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee.
“I make this appeal to these individuals: be brave and come forward and tell us what has happened. Police are here to establish the facts of the incident. This is a terrible tragedy so close to Christmas and the family is devastated in losing a loved one.
“Along with Victim Support services, Police are engaging with and supporting the victim’s family through this very difficult time.
“We are speaking to a number of witnesses who live or who were in the area of Ward Street at the time of the incident. Police are also asking for people to come forward with any information which could help us.
“These men who were at the victim’s address will be known in the community and information on who they are and where they can be found is needed to help resolve the investigation.
“This investigation has a team of 20 investigators who are focussed on gathering evidence and working with the community to resolve this tragedy. The Trentham community will see a visible presence of Police while we conduct our inquiry over the next few days.
“Police are working hard to establish the nature of the victim’s death and to find the males who were at the scene and to establish who was responsible,” says Mr McKee.
The Operation Archer investigation team is based at Upper Hutt Police Station and can be contacted directly or by ringing (04) 381 2000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
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