Police investigating murder in Western Springs flats

Police have launched a manhunt after the body of a 69-year-old man was found in the stairwell of a block of flats at Western Springs last night.

The victim had "suffered a violent attack," said Detective Inspector Scott Beard.

More than 15 police in blue and white overalls and covered shoesare scouring a grassy reserve near the block of flats on Great North Rd and forensic officers are dusting for fingerprints on a doorway and in the stairwell of the block. Others are interviewing neighbours.

Police have confirmed they are investigating a murder.

The block of one- and two-bedroom flats backs onto Ivanhoe Rd, a cul-de-sac near the Northwestern Motorway.

A woman who lives in the building said the victim was her neighbour.

She said it was "scary and upsetting" to think that a person she knew well had been killed.

"I just don't know who would do such a thing," she said.

She was away from her home last night and another neighbour called her this morning.

"My neighbour thought it was me," she said.

"It's just so sad."

The flats have been cordoned off with police tape.

A witness said about 18 officers were onsite and about 10 police cars have parked near the property.

A tent has been put up on the street outside and another near the entrance to the flats.

Housing New Zealand would not answer questions about the investigation or what it was doing to ensure the safety of the other tenants.

"Housing New Zealand will not be making any comment on this matter as it is the subject of an ongoing police investigation," communications manager Glenn Conway said.

- More to come

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.