Man charged with murder after fatal Palmerston North assault

A man has been charged with murder following a fatal assault in Palmerston North yesterday.

Police were called to a Te Awe Awe St address in Hokowhitu just after 8am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said a critically injured man was located who died a short time later, leading to the launch of a homicide investigation.

One person was taken into custody at the scene, he said.

"The man’s body was removed from the scene yesterday, during which members of his family were present and a karakia was conducted."

The scene examination at the address is expected to be concluded today, Thompson said.

"Police are confident the incident was confined to the address and involved only its occupants, who were known to each other.

"Police extend our sympathies to the family of the deceased as we continue to work to piece together how he came to suffer fatal injuries."

A post-mortem was being carried out today.

A 24-year-old man is expected to make his first appearance in the Palmerston North District Court today.