16 Sep 2018

Name released of man killed in Lower Hutt assault

7:37 pm on 16 September 2018

Police have released the name of a man killed in the Lower Hutt suburb of Taita on Friday night.

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A man who died after a fight in Taita has been named by police. Photo: 123RF

He was 29-year-old Faapaia Fonoilaepa, a painter from Avalon.

Mr Fonoilaepa died of injuries after an incident near the intersection of High St and Burcham St.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said the principal focus was now on locating a man who left the scene following the assault.

He was described as Maori, of solid build, aged 30 to 40 years, with dark curly hair and facial tattoos.

The man initially left the scene on foot, but he returned later, then left in a silver Toyota Carib station wagon.

The car was found later on nearby Pringle Street.

Police would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident.