Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
A road in Napier has been closed off as police probe a suspicious overnight death.
Police say a person was reported lying near the intersection of Emerson and Hastings Streets about 3am on Wednesday.
"Emergency services responded to the location and CPR was performed on the person but sadly, they could not be revived," police said.
Residents have been asked to avoid the north end of the street near Hastings Street, which has been cordoned off.
Store manager Nazareth Sarkisian said he was called about 6am or 7am to advise him his Sketchers Napier shop had been cordoned off.
He told RNZ a police officer said a homeless man may have been attacked near Clive Square, and died about 500m away on Emerson Street.
"It's very eerie in town," Sarkisian said.
Police officers were still on the street with a van and equipment. "They're still outside and still trying to sort things," he said.
Police are appealing for information or footage from the public.
Traffic management is in place.
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