Rotorua Police have arrested a 21-year-old unemployed Rotorua man with the murder of a man whose body was found in Kuirau Park in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police have also confirmed the identity of the deceased man and next of kin overseas have been notified.
Roman Henry Skorek, 64 years, was of Polish descent and had been living between New Zealand and Niue.
The man arrested last night will appear in the Rotorua District Court this morning.
Bay of Plenty’s Detective Inspector Mark Loper says a 15-year-old male has also been arrested and charged with assault in connection with the incident. He will appear in the Rotorua Youth Court today.
Mr Loper says it is likely more serious charges will be laid.
He says search warrants were executed at three Rotorua properties this morning, and it is likely that further people will be arrested and additional charges laid as the investigation progresses.
"It has been a very busy few days for the investigation team, many of whom have worked extremely long hours to try and solve this crime. Their hard work is to be commended, but it is not over yet."
More “items of interest” were located overnight in relation to the homicide, including property belonging to the victim.
As a result the police dive squad are in the process of relocating their operations from Kuirau Park to focus on the Utuhina Stream near the Sunset Road area.
"There is still a great deal of work to be done both on the investigation and to prepare this case for court, and we would like to hear from anyone who has further information about this death,” says Mr Loper.
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