A homicide inquiry is underway after the violent death of a dairy worker at a rural property near Oamaru.
Justin McFarlane, 35, was found dead in his house at Elderslie about 4.30am on Wednesday by a co-worker checking why he hadn't turned up for work.
Police would not comment on the circumstances of his death other than it was "quite a violent attack".
Acting Detective Inspector Colin Blackie says they're trying to establish where Mr McFarlane had been and what happened in the lead up to his death.
Mr McFarlane's car was found burnt out about 25km away.
Nearly 40 police are working on the inquiry.
