Police investigating the fatal stabbing of a man in Levin on Friday say comments being made on social media websites are hampering the progress that's being made.
Three people have been arrested after 27-year-old Michael Valentine died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Police say comments on social media websites about the type of injuries Mr Valentine received, and the people who may have inflicted them could jeopardise the investigation.
"I want to make it clear that at no stage have police said that the three men arrested were friends of Mr Valentine's,” says Det Sen Sgt Hercock.
"We have spoken to all the witnesses we believe to have been at the scene at the time of the stabbing. They have provided us with information ... to locate the three offenders."
A 31-year-old man charged with murder will appear in the Palmerston North District Court today, along with another man who's been charged with assault.
3 News / NZN