A man killed on the grounds of an Auckland tennis club was a “beautiful soul” taken in a “dreadful event”, the club says.

Police launched a homicide investigation yesterday after the man died at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin Street.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we can confirm that we lost a beautiful soul at our club yesterday morning,” the club said in a letter to members today.

It is understood the victim worked in an office on the club grounds.

“This person was present at the club almost every day, working from his couch,” the email said. “He was truly a sincere person who was always happy to talk to everyone.”

The club said it was unable to provide further details and the facility remained closed while police investigated.

“We know that your thoughts are with the person’s whānau and all our members and team who were present at the time of this dreadful event.”

Police were today hunting an offender who they believed left the area on foot.

”This is an absolute tragedy, and investigators are working hard to establish the circumstances leading to and following the murder,” Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said.

Ken Lau, who lives opposite the tennis club, said the incident occurred in front of club members and people using the neighbouring reserve.

“The court was busy - it’s a vibrant, busy place on a Saturday. People are playing tennis, bowling, biking. There would have been lots of witnesses.”

Police guard the scene of a homicide in Auckland's Blockhouse Bay. Photo / Michael Craig

Lau did not witness the incident but went to the scene soon afterwards. The victim was still alive when ambulance officers arrived but could not be saved, he said.

”We have lived here for 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Lau said. “We are scared, you know - it is happening in our own yard.”

Police were going to door-to-door on the street seeking footage from residents’ security cameras. Lau said they had asked for footage between 11am and midday yesterday to check for people walking past the club.

Police officers, including dog units, at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin St in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland today. Photo / Dean Purcell

Baldwin said police were gathering any CCTV, dashcam or security footage from the Blockhouse Bay area around 11.30am yesterday.

”Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Rathlin Street area.

”While we remain open-minded, police believe the offender may have left the scene on foot following the incident.

”We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us.

”There will be a visible police presence in the area as the scene examination continues today.

”We understand how unsettling this event will be for our community and we are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area around the clock.

”Formal identification of the victim is expected to be completed today, and a post-mortem examination is under way.”

A member who was playing tennis in an indoor court at the club at the time the incident happened said they were asked to evacuate suddenly.

“I was playing tennis indoors at that time when it happened and we were told to evacuate halfway through,” the member said.

Police officers were guarding the scene this morning and officers were stationed on walkways on either side of the park.

A tent had been set up where the incident took place yesterday. Officers could be seen scouring the grass nearby, using a metal detector.

“Upon arrival, a man was located with critical injuries,” police said in a statement yesterday.

“Sadly, despite efforts of emergency services, the man died at the scene.”

An apparent pool of blood was visible just outside the tennis courts next to a disposable vape. A police photographer in a boiler suit was focused on this area. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police are still seeking a person involved in the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and we are providing them with support at this difficult time.

“Police are now making inquiries to understand what has occurred.”

Police officers cordoned off the area around the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin St after an "incident" late on Saturday morning. Photo / Dean Purcell

Yesterday, blood was visible just outside the tennis courts next to a disposable vape. A police photographer, wearing a boiler suit, was focused on this area. Armed police were also at the scene.

A man working near the club told the Herald police had come to his work to investigate an alleged assault.

Officers told him they were “looking for someone”, he said.

Police speak to a bystander at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact police as soon as possible.

Information can be provided through 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 , using ‘Update Report’ with the reference “Operation Elba”, file number 240824/4136.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.