A man’s death is being treated as unexplained after he was found in an Auckland park following a burglary of a nearby hardware store. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said they were called to a hardware retail store on Ellerslie-Panmure Highway after an alarm had been set off at around 1.30am. 

Police units were sent to the scene, and cordons were set up around the store while the Eagle was deployed. 

Darvill said the man was spotted from the skies lying in the grounds of the park. 

“It appeared the man was not responsive, and units were directed to his location, commencing first aid on him.” 

Darvill said police are working to see if the man is connected to the burglary, which happened 20 minutes before he was found. 

“We are treating the man’s death as unexplained at this very early stage, and expect a post-mortem examination to be carried out today.” 

Police arrived at the scene at around 1.30am last night. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

“This will determine next steps in our investigation.” 

He said a scene examination is being completed at the park, which backs onto Barrack Rd, and police are also continuing to look into the burglary. 

“As part of inquiries, police would like to hear from anyone in the area who observed suspicious activity or that has additional information.” 

You can update police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250806/9585. 

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.