Man accused of murdering woman

A 64-year-old man is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court today charged with murder following the death of a woman in Judea on Friday afternoon.

The woman’s body was found outside a residential address on Bell Street just before 2pm.

Police at the crime scene on Bell Street today.

Part of Bell Street remains cordoned off and a tent has been erected to preserve the scene for a forensic examination.

Police say once the examination is complete the woman’s body can be removed so a post mortem can be carried out to determine cause of death.

Despite the crime scene being under police guard overnight, access to resident’s homes was maintained for those who live in the street.

Police are still working to locate and notify the victim’s next of kin and her details will not be released until the process is complete.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.