(file image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died from a serious assault in the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki on Friday.
Police responded to the incident on Ford Street, Ōpōtiki about 4.40pm on 21 September.
The man was taken to Ōpōtiki Medical Centre and then Whakatāne Hospital, where he died on 22 September.
On Friday evening, a 44-year-old man was arrested after a search warrant was undertaken by police in Ōpōtiki.
He is due to appear in Whakatāne District Court on 23 September, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police said no one else was being sought in relation to the incident but they would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault, on or near Ford Street Ōpōtiki between 4.10pm and 4.40pm on 21 September, or who had information which could help their investigation.
Anyone with information can call police on 105 or make a report online, referencing file number 230921/0907, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
