Police have opened a homicide investigation after a body was found on a Mount Albert walkway in Auckland.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said a local man was found dead near the Roy Clements Treeway at around 6:45pm on Tuesday.
"We believe the victim was walking along the pathway and was on his way home," he said.
Police are unable to release the man's name but said they are in contact with the family, who are "devastated".
"This is a tragic situation and the family is understandably devastated by what has occurred," Det Insp Barry said.
"I know this news will be upsetting for people in the community, but I would like to reassure that we have a large team of detectives working on this investigation.
"Police are determined to bring the person or the persons responsible and hold them to account."
Det Insp Barry would not say if the attack was random or targeted but said there is no indication at this stage that it was gang-related. He also said police believe a firearm was not involved.
Police have been at the scene since Tuesday night and a scene guard remains in place.
Local residents will see an increased police presence in response to the incident.
Anyone who was in the vicinity of the Roy Clements Treeway area on Tuesday from late afternoon through to 7pm or has CCTV footage is asked to make contact with police by calling 105 and quote file number 220524/8192.
