Murder probe after Kiwi dies in London

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is assisting the family of a New Zealand man who died after being assaulted outside a London pub.

A murder investigation has been launched by British police after the death of Wellington punk rocker Steve Andrews, 46, on Sunday night (local time).

Mr. Andrews suffered serious head injuries in a bar fight near the head of the Duke in Putney on Sunday morning.

He was taken to a south London hospital, where he later died, the Metropolitan Police said.

Formal identification is to take place, but the family are aware of the death, police said.

A post-mortem examination will take place at the right time.

MFAT and the High Commissioner of New Zealand are providing consular assistance to the family of Mr. Andrews, a spokesman told NZ Newswire.

The victim was the leader of the punk band Vas deferens Wellington, who played in the city throughout the 1990s.