Dunedin man’s death after alleged assault deemed ‘suspicious’

Dunedin man’s death after alleged assault deemed ‘suspicious’

Police at the scene where Dunedin man Sean Buis died on Thursday.

Hamish McNeilly/Stuff

Police at the scene where Dunedin man Sean Buis died on Thursday.

Police are urging residents with security cameras to come forward after a man’s “suspicious” death near a popular Dunedin lookout.

Emergency services were called to Eglinton Rd in Mornington about 7.30pm on Thursday after police received reports a man had been assaulted and run over by a vehicle.

Sean Buis, 28, died at the scene.

A cordon on Eglinton Rd, which borders Unity Park, was lifted on Saturday, and “investigators continue to piece together information to establish what has occurred”, police said in a statement.

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Buis, 28, was reportedly assaulted, then run over.

Hamish McNeilly/Stuff

Buis, 28, was reportedly assaulted, then run over.

A “large dedicated team” was making inquiries into Buis’ death, which was deemed suspicious, they said.

Police reassured the public the incident was thought to be isolated to specific parties, and there was no reason to believe there was any ongoing risk to the wider community.

“We continue to provide support to the man’s loved ones.”

Buis’ family declined to comment.

Emergency services tried to save Buis, but he died at the scene.

Hamish McNeilly/Stuff

Emergency services tried to save Buis, but he died at the scene.

Gouged tyre tracks could be seen on a grassy bank near where Buis died, after paramedics tried to revive him.

Police were still appealing for anyone who had information that could help the investigation to come forward.

That included people who were in the area about 7.15pm to 7.45pm on Thursday, or nearby residents with security cameras.

Police could be contacted by calling 105 or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.