Homicide investigation

<p>Northland Police have launched a homicide enquiry following the death of 61year old Dargaville male, Christopher EDWARDS, at Auckland Hospital at 4am this morning (13 January 2012).<br /> <br /> Police commenced an assault investigation on Tuesday night, 11th January, after Mr Edward had been admitted to hospital with an unexplained life threatening head injury and as a result of his death Police have upgraded to a homicide investigation advises Detective Inspector Malthus, Northland Police Crime Manager.<br /> <br /> Ms Malthus advises that Police are continuing to speak to occupants of Mr Edwards home today in order to understand what occurred in the days leading up to Mr Edwards death, whilst a 42 year old male is to appear in the Dargaville district court today, charged with assault.<br /> <br /> Mr Edwards next of kin have been advised of his death. A post mortem is scheduled for later today however as the matter is now before the courts Police cannot comment any further in regard to the detail of the investigation other than we are not seeking any other persons at this time states Ms Malthus.<br /> <br /> The forensic examination of the dwelling continues today by Police and ESR scientists and the area canvass is also continuing.</p>