Homicide investigation launched after two people found dead in Buller

Police have launched a homicide investigation after two people were found dead at separate properties in the Buller region on Tuesday. The first incident occurred at an address on State Highway 7 at Rahu Saddle, near Reefton, where emergency services were called at approximately 7.50am following concerns for a person. A person was found deceased at that location.

Following further enquiries, officers went to a second address on Maimai Road where another person was found dead. Detective Inspector Geoff Baber stated that police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths.

There is no perceived risk to the public. An increased police presence is expected in the area while investigators work to establish exactly what happened.

Detective Inspector Baber said, “We acknowledge people will be understandably shaken following this incident. We are providing support to the loved ones of those who died and the wider community”.

Where reports differ

• One report specifies that Hato Hone St John sent a PRIME unit to the first incident and a first response unit, PRIME responder, and an operations manager to the second.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, Otago Daily Times, NZ Herald and The Press.