The investigation into an alleged serious assault in the early hours of Saturday morning at Franklyn Village, Nelson, is now a homicide inquiry following the death of a 46-year-old man in Wellington Hospital.

Bruce Andrew Mortimer died about 11pm on Saturday from injuries received in the incident.

Two men are in custody and will be appearing in the Nelson District Court on Monday, July 6, charged with assault with intent to injure.

Further charges are likely once the full result of the post mortem examination is known.

The inquiry team is conducting interviews with witnesses and the scene examination is ongoing.