A patched Mongrel Mob member has been arrested and charged with murder following a man’s death in Ōpōtiki.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said two men had been arrested in relation to the man’s death on Church St, on Saturday morning.

“Yesterday evening, a 31-year-old patched Mongrel Mob member was arrested and charged with murder.

“He appeared in court this morning and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Tauranga District Court on February 26.”

A 25-year-old man was also arrested on Sunday afternoon. He has been charged with assault and is due to reappear in the Whakatane District Court on February 12.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death.

“Additional police resources from the wider Bay of Plenty District have been in Ōpōtiki since Saturday morning assisting with inquiries and providing reassurance to the public,” Wilson said.

On Sunday, police said the man had died following a “violent altercation” involving gang members and that the death was being investigated as a homicide.

Emergency services were told a group of about six people were fighting on Church St in the eastern Bay of Plenty town about 12.20am, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam said.

“One of those involved had received an injury to the chest consistent with a stab wound.

“Despite medical attention, the man died at the scene.”

Police were following lines of inquiry to identify and find those involved, Varnam said at the weekend.

“It is believed gang members were involved.”