17 Jan 2009

Homicide inquiry focuses on driver of Toyota truck

6:26 am on 17 January 2009

Police investigating the homicide of Christchurch prostitute Mellory Manning are looking for a man seen driving a blue Toyota Surf truck.

The man, described as a slim European with stubble and wearing a blue jersey, was seen talking to prostitutes in the area where Ms Manning worked on the night she was killed.

Police had previously thought the man was driving a Hilux. However, after re-interviewing witnesses they have determined it was a Toyota Surf.

A witness has told police the driver was a "rough-looking" European and had tools and a tarpaulin in the back of the truck.

Ms Manning's body was found in the Avon River on 19 December by a member of the public.