“We are particularly seeking a group of four people, who were riding bikes and walking, near the corner of Fenwick St and Fergusson Ave at approximately 7.30pm.”
Hyde thanked people who had already come forward with CCTV footage, but said police were “re-appealing for anyone who saw an unattended child” on the night the boy went missing.
The boy was found after a large search involving police, Coastguard and Surf Lifesaving, who looked for the boy for more than three hours before finding him in the early hours of the morning.
Coastguard Hawke’s Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said conditions were calm on the night.
Van Tuel, who was on the water during the operation, said their crew was activated by police later in the evening and deployed immediately.
“We had six on the boat and three in the radio room, so nine of us were involved ... We used our lights and night-vision gear,” he told Hawke’s Bay Today.
Napier mayor Richard McGrath said earlier this month the city was affected by the tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of this young child,” he said.
Hyde said those people or anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105 using the reference number 260206/9567.
Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
