One dead, two critical after incidents in Rotorua police say are linked

A homicide investigation has begun after a woman was found dead, and two other people were found at a different address in a critical condition, police say.

Both properties are in Rotorua and the incidents are thought to be connected, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

In the first, emergency services were called to an address in the suburb of Western Heights about 5am on Monday morning, where the caller said two people were being seriously assaulted.

Both were found in critical condition, and were taken to hospital.

Then at 2:35pm on Monday, police were called to an address in the suburb of Utuhina to check on a woman's welfare.

Officers found her body at the scene.

"Police believe the incidents are linked, and one person is assisting us with our enquiries," the spokesperson said.

"We are currently not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter."

Both properties were being examined, as officers worked to find out exactly what had happened, they said.

They urged anyone with information about either incident to come forward to talk to police, by calling 105 and quoting the reference number 240923/0552. Information could also be provided through the anonymous reporting website: Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.