Amateur inventor's control helmet may have killed him

New Zealand police have confirmed the death of a man found in South Auckland on Monday was accidental, and it is understood it was the result of home experiment which went wrong.

Michael William Roiall, 34, was found dead at his Papatoetoe home. It is understood the man was an amateur inventor and was found wearing a home-made helmet, which he was attempting to use to control devices in his home.

It's believed the helmet may have suffocated him. An autopsy has been completed and police have said the death was accidental.

A police spokeswoman refused to comment further on the circumstances surrounding the death which has now been referred to the coroner. Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander said Mr Roiall's body had been found by family.