UPDATE: Homicide Investigation Launched In Hastings

The investigation into the body located inside a burnt out vehicle in Longlands on Tuesday has been upgraded to a Homicide inquiry.

Detective Inspector Marty James, Eastern District Crime Manager says “Police are following strong lines of enquiry after we were called to a vehicle fire on Irongate Road West, Tuesday night.”

The formal identification process remains ongoing, as such we aren’t in a position to release any information about the deceased, including the cause of death.

“We are continuing to piece together what happened and it is only a matter of time before we identify and locate those involved.

“This was an abhorrent act and we are determined to hold those responsible to account.” Says Detective Inspector James.

A large team of investigators are working to find answers for the deceased’s whanau including determining what occurred.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.