A sex worker at an Auckland brothel where a man was found dead says security cameras around the property may provide a clue as to what happened.
Police were called to the Club 574, a "gentlemen's club", on Manukau Rd, in Epsom, just after midnight on Tuesday after being called by a member of the public.
The property was cordoned off with police officers at the scene.
A homicide investigation has been launched following the discovery of the body outside the brothel, police said on Tuesday morning.
A sex worker who Newshub spoke to said there were security cameras both inside and outside the building which may shed light on what happened overnight.
Despite there being no security officers at the club, the woman said she had never felt afraid while working.
"We don't have security there, we just have the managers on that night, who will be running the shift, and then the girls" she said.
She said she found out what had happened after turning up for her shift on Tuesday morning and had no idea who the victim was.
"It could be anyone because there are men that walk in and out of there all the time, especially at night".
Jeanine Rouse, who owns the shop Clothing Girl just opposite the brothel says there has never been any trouble in the past.
"It's very much a common thing that people know it's there," she told Newshub.
"There's not any aggro or weirdos walking around."
She said those living and working nearby are "shaken" by the news.
"It's just a little quiet suburb that's going to be shaken by this," she said.
"It's just shocking. It's shocking to think someone's been murdered."
In an update on Tuesday afternoon, police said a scene examination would continue over the coming days as staff are going door-to-door seeking information.
Police will also be searching the area for CCTV footage, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said.
"The investigation is in its infancy and it is hoped that a post-mortem examination can be commenced tomorrow [Wednesday].
"We are still working to confirm the man's identity and locate next-of-kin.
"Police staff will be going door to door as part of an area canvas seeking information."
Anyone with information is urged to contact 09 524 1921 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"No further update is expected today [Tuesday]," Det Insp Baldwin said.
