Police say they have a lead in the investigation into the killing of the veteran journalist Derek Round after a member of the public saw his car being driven around Whanganui on the day he died.
Derek Round, 77, was found dead in the lounge of his Campbell Street property at 8.30am on Thursday.
A post-mortem shows he died following a number of violent blows to the head.
Police are appealing for sightings of the blue 1996 Jaguar XJ6. Photo: NZ POLICE
Investigators say they are encouraged by the sighting of his blue Jaguar, which they believe was being driven by the person responsible for Mr Round's death.
The car was seen driving around the Aramoho area into Whanganui by the river at about 8am on Thursday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby says police still want to hear from anyone else who may have seen the jaguar around Whanganui last Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Search teams have been checking parks and reserve areas around Aramoho on Sunday and along the river bank in a bid to find clothing believed to be linked to the crime.
These are a red long-sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather vest, dark jeans, dark fingerless gloves and a pair of dark coloured sports shoes with a light colour around the soles and coloured laces.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kirby says forensic staff were examining the car, and an examination at the property was likely to continue until Monday.
Police staff from Whanganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Taumaranui are working on the investigation.
