A homicide investigation has been launched after a man was found critically injured at a South Auckland property last night, and subsequently died overnight in hospital.

Counties Manukau CIB Detective Inspector Karen Bright said the man was found critically injured when police arrived at a property on Beatty St in Ōtāhuhu about 8.30pm Sunday.

“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing,” Bright said.

“We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.

“Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”

Police were still guarding the Ōtāhuhu home this morning.A scene examination is underway at the address, and Bright said there will be an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

“Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch,” Bright said.

If you have information that migyht help police, they asking that you make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

Police are investigating after a serious assault in Ōtāhuhu overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward