A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder in relation to the death of a 79-year-old man, who was his close relative, in an alleged assault at a home in Ha'avakatolo early Saturday morning May 25. The victim is reported to have sustained head injuries, the Tonga Police reported today.

Chief Inspector Tevita Fifita, Commanding Officer of Tongatapu's Western District, confirmed that the victim had died at Vaiola Hospital on the same morning, after being rushed to the hospital by police.

The victim is reported to have sustained head injuries from the alleged assault, but a post-mortem examination will confirm the cause of death.

Police at Nukunuku received a report around 1:45am of someone injured at a home in Ha'avakatolo. Police officers rushed to the scene and arrested the accused who was still present at the home, he said.

"We have now charged the accused with murder and he is remanded in custody at the Nukunuku Police Station while our investigation continues."

The Police have not confirmed at this stage any weapon used in the alleged assault.

Chief Inspector Fifita said the victim and the accused were closely related and came from Ha'avakatolo village on western Tongatapu.