Wellington: The man decapitated during a homicide in Lower Hutt was suspected to be involved in the sale of synthetic cannabis.

Frank Tyson, 71, died in a block of flats on Jackson St, in the suburb of Petone, on Friday night. A neighbour told Stuff on Monday morning there was a gathering at the apartment at the time.

New Zealand police are investigating the death of a 71-year-old man whose head was thrown from this block of units in Petone. Credit:Stuff

Detective Inspector Shane Cotter would not speculate on any potential motive for the killing on Monday, but confirmed Tyson was decapitated, and neither he nor a 41-year-old man arrested on Saturday were gang members.

A witness to the homicide's aftermath, who did not want to be named, told Stuff that gang members and associates were in attendance at a gathering at the apartments.