A homicide investigation is under way in Hastings after a man died after an assault on a street in Camberley.

Detective Inspector Martin James said police were called to a “group of people fighting” on Kiwi Lane about 10.30pm on Sunday.

Police were advised a man had been dropped off at the Emergency Department at Hastings Hospital and was in a critical condition from an assault.

“The man has sadly died a short time later in hospital. Police are now working to establish exactly what has occurred and the events leading up to this man’s death.”

Police were patrolling a part of Kirkpatrick Park in Camberley after the incident, with a Hawke’s Bay Today reporter seeing officers acting as scene guards in the park about 8.30am.

James said the community could expect to see an increased police presence in the area as they carried out a scene examination and made further enquiries.

“Police would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and saw or heard anything to get in touch with Police.

“You can contact us either online hereor by calling 105 and quoting file number 250217/0218.”