A 58 year-old shop worker, Bhagubhai Vaghela, is the victim at the centre of Auckland City Police's homicide inquiry that got underway late last night.
Mr Vaghela, a Mt Eden resident, was found lying on the floor of the Uptown Minimart at 83 New North Rd by a customer at about 9.15 last night. The customer called an ambulance and, though ambulance staff attempted to revive Mr Vaghela, he died in the shop.
Police were called at about 9.30pm and carried out a preliminary scene search, secured the premises and its contents and canvassed residents living in the apartments in the same building as the shop.
Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand says Mr Vaghela - whose body remains in-situ - was shot, but a post-mortem examination later today should clarify the actual cause of death.
He said there was no immediately obvious motive for the shooting.
A team of Police and ESR staff are at the scene this morning conducting a thorough examination of the premises.
Police are urging anyone who might have seen or heard anything unusual in the area last night to contact the Auckland City CIB.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz
MEDIA NOTE: DI Hollewand will hold a media briefing outside the scene at 10.30 this morning.