Investigations continue following the death of Jardin Whanga-Elliott, who died after being assaulted in Lower Hutt on Sunday morning.
Police have confirmed Jardin was assaulted in two separate incidents.
The first incident occurred in Cleland Cresent. An individual has been arrested.
The second incident occurred in Seddon Street. It is this incident Police are continuing to focus their investigation on.
Prior to both incidents, Jardin had attended a family member's 21st birthday. Police believe that a number of people who were at the party may have important information that could help identify the person or persons responsible for Jardin's death.
The public is being urged to contact police if they have any relevant information, either via the Lower Hutt Police Station (04 560 2600) or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)
Police are also appealing for sightings of a red Mazda Familia seen in the Cleland Crescent/Seddon Street area between 2am and 3am on Sunday 3 July.
Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Barnett says, “Police have been working with Jardin’s family to support them through this extremely difficult time.
Jardin was a much-loved son and brother and Police are committed to finding and holding to account those responsible for his death.
Police have been canvassing the Cleland Crescent/Seddon Street area and have seized a number of items that are currently being forensically examined. We will continue our investigations in the area over the next few days.”
Although we are still working to piece together exactly what has happened with regard to the assault in Seddon Street, we do not believe at this stage that this was a random attack. A number of people are likely to have been present when Jardin was assaulted in Seddon Street and those people need to come forward.”