A man killed on the grounds of an Auckland tennis club was a "beautiful soul" taken in a "dreadful event", the club says

Police launched a homicide investigation yesterday after the man died at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin Street.

In a statement to members, the club says the man was present at the club almost every day - and he was truly a sincere person, who was always happy to talk to everyone.

Police are hunting an offender who they believe left the area on foot.