Wellington Police District Media Release to the GLBTI community

Hi everyone. Here's a media release we received from the Wellington Police today.

13 December 2011

Wellington Police investigating the murder of 43 year old Phillip Cottrell wish to allay safety concerns raised by the GLBTI community.

Phillip Cottrell died on Sunday afternoon as a result of injuries sustained during an attack in Boulcott Street around 5:30am on Saturday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller, officer in charge of the homicide operation says it appears Mr Cottrell was the victim of an unprovoked, random and vicious attack.

"We do not believe Mr Cottrell's sexual orientation was a factor in his death. Any member of the GLBTI community who has serious safety concerns or has any relevant information in relation to this investigation, should contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Police Diversity Liaison Officers are also available within the Wellington District. You can find contact details for these officers via the New Zealand Police website on the link below:

https://www.police.govt.nz/about/diversity-contacts

Detective Senior Sergeant Miller says Police are following a number of lines of enquiry and remain confident that those responsible for this cowardly attack on Mr Cottrell will be located and held accountable for their actions.

ENDS

For media queries, please contact Victoria Davis, Wellington Police District Communications Manager on 0274 373 020.