Two found dead in Ruatiti, police launch homicide investigation

A homicide investigation is underway after two people were found dead at a rural property in Ruatiti on Saturday afternoon, as reported by Stuff.

Police confirmed they located the victims at the property and have since begun preliminary inquiries. A full scene examination is scheduled to start on Sunday, December 14, and is expected to take several days, Stuff has reported.

Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said post-mortem examinations and formal identification procedures will be carried out in the coming days. He also said residents should expect an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues.

“There will be a heightened presence in the Ruatiti area as the investigation progresses,” Bennett said, as quoted by Stuff.

Police are urging anyone who was in the Ruatiti area or who may have information related to the incident to come forward. Information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105, quoting reference number P064773873, Stuff has reported.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.