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Police investigating the death of a 21-year-old man in a south Auckland park say he was killed in a “random and unprovoked attack”.
Emergency services were called to Jellicoe Park, Manurewa shortly after 11pm on Saturday.
Local man Nigel Fuatimu was found unconscious and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Manukau County Police briefed the media about the investigation on Friday afternoon.
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Acting Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said that before the attack, Fuatimu had been having drinks at a nearby house and listening to music.
DAVID WHITE / Things
Police examine the scene in Jellicoe Park, Manurewa.
Then he and his friends moved to the park, where they confronted two men and an “altercation” ensued.
Fuatimu died as a result of the attack and the attackers, described as Pacific Islander men, fled the area, Adkin said.
He described it as an “absolutely tragic event.”
Fuatimu’s family is “absolutely devastated,” Adkin said.
“They have lost a beloved son and brother.
“The police are urging those responsible to do the right thing for Mr. Fuatimu and his whānau.”
The police have been checking CCTV and talking to neighbors.
They believe that the two men involved in the altercation could have been part of a larger group.
DAVID WHITE / Things
Police said Nigel Fuatimu was the target of a “random and unprovoked attack” at Jellicoe Park.
Residents near the park said they heard loud music shortly before shouting, fighting and people fleeing the scene.
Stuff spoke with a close relative who said it had been “a great shock” and the family was devastated by Fuatimu’s death.
“He was calm, shy, he was a very strong young man and had a bright future ahead of him,” she said.
During the week, family and friends took to social media to pay tribute to Fuatimu, whom they described as a “sweet” and “funny” man.
“He was a very humble guy. He was that person, when he cared, he really cared. Family was important to him, ”wrote one.
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On Monday, Adkin said police had spoken to several people in relation to the incident.
He appealed to all who saw or heard suspicious activity in the park from 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“We continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of this man and urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the counties Manukau Crime Squad on 09 261 1321 and mention Operation Preston.” .
Information can also be transmitted anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
