A homicide investigation is underway after a man in his 20s was taken to a Whakatāne hospital last night with life-threatening injuries and died soon after.
The injured man was admitted to the hospital around 9.40pm but was pronounced dead soon after arriving, according to police
In an update on Monday night, a spokesperson said "initial indications suggest there was gang-related disorder" before the man died.
"Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the Ruatoki area and saw or heard anything suspicious between 9pm and 9.45pm.
"We would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage in the area at the time.
"Police have obtained a Gang Conflict Warrant under the Search and Surveillance Act and will not be tolerating any retaliatory gang behaviour.
"Police will be maintaining a highly visible presence in the area, with extra staff arriving from other districts to support the investigation.
"A forensic post-mortem is due to take place tomorrow.
Earlier, police said initial inquiries suggested the man may have suffered his injuries in Tāneatua.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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