Tokomaru Bay man's death in fire being treated as homicide

Tokomaru Bay man's death in fire being treated as homicide
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A post-mortem investigation into a Tokomaru Bay man's death will be conducted on Wednesday as part of the ongoing homicide investigation in the coastal community, Police say.

The 48-year-old man was found in his burning home's lounge at about 2am on Sunday, and Police are treating the death as a homicide.

"The man's body was removed from the house yesterday afternoon [Tuesday] and has been taken to Palmerston North where the post-mortem examination will be conducted," Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Ford said in a statement.

"Once that has been completed he will be released to his grieving family."

A cordon remains around the home where the fire started, as well as some adjoining properties.

Ford said they hoped to conclude the examination on Wednesday and lift the cordon.

Police encourage anyone with information to come forward "and do the right thing by the family and the local community". The enquiry team is based at the Tokomaru Bay Police station.

"Anyone who wants to talk to us can come and see us there," Ford said.

The fire in the living room was extinguished by local volunteer firefighters.