September 29, 2024

A person riding a quad bike and two vehicles are being sought as part of a homicide investigation that began after a body was found in a burnt car on a New Zealand Northland beach.

Police were notified of a vehicle on fire at Ripiro Beach, on the North Island, just after 10.30am on Monday and found a body inside it.

Detective Inspector Al Symonds said they were speaking to a person as part of their ongoing inquiries.

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Two cars, a grey Ford Ranger (GJC586) and a light grey Toyota Harrier (FYR31) were being sought as part of the investigation.

The cars are believed to have been in the Te Kopuru area between 2pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday.

“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 the team were aware of some speculation within the tight knit community about who the victim was.

“At this point I would ask people to respect that whānau will be learning the devastating news that they have lost a loved one.

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Local hapu had placed a rāhui on the area until September 15.

Symonds previously said police want to reassure the Dargaville community that the homicide was unrelated to the death of Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki, 38, who was discovered between Omamari Beach and Aranga Beach on August 2nd.

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