Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 24-year-old man was found dead in the middle of the street in Ruakākā early on Thursday morning.

According to a police spokesperson, police were called to the scene just after 4am and found the man lying on Peter Snell Rd.

Stuff understands the man was shot.

Two blue tents could be seen in the middle of the road later on Thursday morning and a police cordon was in place.

Police were following “positive lines of enquiry to locate those involved”, Detective Inspector Al Symonds of Whangārei Criminal Investigation Bureau said.

Anyone who saw “suspicious activity” in the Peter Snell Rd area in the early hours of Thursday, or who has information that could helpassist the investigation should contact police, he said.

“We know the community will be feeling concerned about this incident but please be rest assured we are doing everything we can to locate those responsible and hold them to account.

“We believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the public,” Symonds said.

A scene examination has begun and police have closed Peter Snell Rd along the Tamingi St and Tamure Place intersections and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause commuters.”

The incident appears to have taken place less than 100m from a property where two children were found dead in May this year.

A Ruakākā woman has since plead not guilty to two charges of murder in relation to the children’s deaths, and is due to appear in court again in November.