NSW Police investigations are continuing into the incident. Photos: Albert McKnight.
Police say a man found dead in a Bega park was not killed with a chainsaw but rather suffered stab wounds in a violent incident that has left a second man in hospital.
At about 2 am on Monday (6 October), emergency services were called to East Street in Bega, on the NSW Far South Coast.
Officers attached to the South Coast Police District attended and found the body of a man in a park.
There were widespread media reports that a chainsaw was used in the attack but today (7 October) Chief Inspector Shane Jessep said the man’s body was found with “a number” of stab wounds.
Another man, said to be 45-years-old, is also being treated in hospital for stab wounds.
He said police believed a chainsaw was produced during the incident, with its sound recorded on video seen by police, but there was only speculation it had been used as a weapon.
“I can confirm there was a chainsaw produced during that incident,” he said.
“At this stage, that chainsaw doesn’t appear to be responsible for any injuries sustained by either party.”
Chief Inspector Jessep said it was too early to say how many people were involved in the incident, which he described as a “violent confrontation”.
He said both victims were known to police and there was a low risk to the wider community.
“Rest assured, police firmly believe these parties are known to one another. … [We believe] a dispute has come out of that relationship.”
The area was cordoned off with police tape on Monday.
Strike Force Nakstone has been created, while South Coast and homicide squad detectives are also assisting with the investigation.
Chief Inspector Jessep said it was too early to discuss the motivation behind the incident.
“It’s very early in the investigation. There’s a number of lines of inquiry that we are following,” he said.
Police are expecting to wrap-up processing the site later today. Officers have also seized two vehicles for examination.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Bega Police Station on (02) 6492 9999.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
