The scene in Hamilton this morning. Photo: RNZ / Victor Waters
A young man's death in Hamilton overnight is being treated as a homicide, after an incident that left three other people injured, police say.
RNZ understands the victims were stabbed.
Police forensics officers are searching for clues at the scene on Sunday.
Police were alerted to a disturbance involving two groups on Alexandra Street about 12.10am.
Area manager investigations Detective Sergeant Reece Durston said four people were injured at the scene, and a 20-year-old man died in hospital a short time later.
Three other victims suffered injuries ranging from moderate to serious.
"Some of those involved, including the offender, left the scene immediately after the incident."
The investigation team was trying to find them and also any weapons that were used.
"This is a senseless act of violence," Detective Sergeant Durston said.
Photo: RNZ / Daniel Gilhooly
"The investigation team is working hard to understand how and why this happened, and we are wrapping support around the family of the deceased, and the other victims."
There will continue to be a visible police presence in Hamilton as enquiries continue as well as reassurance patrols in the community.
Sources have told RNZ that the stabbing may have been linked to a club event in the central city.
The person, who did not want to be named, said the central city was heaving last night following the All Blacks test againt France at FMG Stadium.
Bar workers were unable to access their cars parked on the street and were told by police to either walk home or Uber, sources told RNZ.
Alexandra Street remains cordoned between Collingwood and Hood streets, and the road is expected to remain closed through the day.
"There is a large scene to work through and we ask that the public avoid the area and thank them for their understanding," Detective Sergeant Durston said.
Simon Bowman, of Beast Style Fitness, said on Sunday the gym remained shut with its premises inside the cordon.
Dozens of guests who are staying at a hostel on Alexandra Street have been asked to stay put.
Sabina, a manager at the Hamilton City Inn said about 50 people were currently at the hostel.
The cordon includes a car park, and anyone with a vehicle parked there is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 250720/3051.
Photo: RNZ / Victor Waters
On Sunday evening, police said a cordon would remain in place on Alexandra St until they finished their scene examination.
From about 5pm some people with vehicles parked in the area that was closed off after the fatal attack were able to collect them.
"Vehicles parked in the area from David's Emporium or Wilsons Carpark back to Collingwood Street can now be uplifted.
"Anyone looking to collect their vehicle should please go to the cordon at the Collingwood Street end and speak to staff there, who will allow you to enter.
"We appreciate the disruption this may have caused and thank those affected for their patience."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
