Stolen bicycles of interest in murder inquiry

Police are looking for this bike as they continue investigating a murder.

Police are appealing for sightings of two bikes they believe were stolen from the home of a Whangarei homicide victim.

Head of the investigation Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said the bicycles were unique and had been taken from the victim's home in Second Ave, Whangarei.

On Wednesday police arrested and charged a 16-year-old youth with the murder of Michael Patrick Griffin, 56.

The teenager was remanded in Child Youth and Family custody and will re-appear in the High Court at Whangarei on October 23.

Mr Griffin was found at the rear of his house on Sunday morning suffering from serious head injuries. He was taken to hospital but the father of three adult sons died later on Sunday.

Police are asking anybody who has seen the two orange-coloured bicycles or seen people riding the bikes between 6pm last Saturday and midday Sunday in the Avenues area or near the Whangarei Bowling Club to contact them.

Officers continue to examine the Second Ave house in what they describe as a "very complex" case and expected to be there until today. "The Whangarei community have supplied crucial information allowing the investigation team to progress this matter," Mr Burke said.

An appeal by police to neighbours to check their backyards for items has turned up some items of interest but police would not say if the weapon used to assault Mr Griffin was among them. "We are still seeking items people may have found discarded in the vicinity," Mr Burke said.

Anyone who can help police with their investigation should contact officers on 09 430 4500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.