Police have released photos of two “vehicles of interest” after a body was found in a burnt-out vehicle on a beach near Dargaville in Northland earlier this week.
Police were notified of a vehicle on fire at Ripiro Beach near Glink’s Gully just after 10.30am on Monday.
Detective Inspector Al Symonds said a body was found inside the vehicle.
A homicide investigation was launched – and today, police appealed for the public’s help with “any information or sightings of two vehicles of interest”.
“The first is a 2012 grey Ford Ranger with the registration GJC586,” Detective Inspector Al Symonds said.
“The second is a white or light grey 2001 Toyota Harrier with a registration FYR31.”
Investigators are particularly appealing for sightings in the Te Kopuru area between 2pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday, especially around Pinaki, Burgess and Pouto Roads.
“We are also interested in any sighting of a person riding a quad bike along Pinaki or Pouto Roads around the same time,” Symonds said.
‘I know there will be some speculation’
Symonds said officers were continuing to speak with a person as part of their investigation.
“The investigation team are still working to piece together the events leading up to how this person lost their life,” he said.
“A post mortem examination has been completed, however formal identification procedures are still to be carried out.
“I know there will be some speculation in this tight knit community about who the victim is,” he added.
“At this point I would ask people to respect that whānau will be learning the devastating news that they have lost a loved one.
“We will continue to keep the community updated with progress on our investigation.”
Rāhui in place
Local hapu have placed a rāhui on Ripiro Beach, covering the beach side from Glink’s Gully through to Pouto Point, Symonds said.
The rāhui will be in place until 8am this Sunday.
“Police continue to encourage anyone who was in the area or has any information to get in touch.
“If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.”