Police investigating the death of Alex Fisher are appealing for the public's help to identify a number of items of bedding which the 10-year-old's body was wrapped in.
Pictures have been released showing two continental blankets, a sleeping bag and a sheet which were located with Alex's body at Waitarere beach two weeks ago.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said they were keen to know the origin of these items to assist them with the investigation.
"Do you recognise this bedding? Have you seen it at a property or any location around the Waitarere area? One of the blankets is quite distinctive and we're hoping that the picture might jog someone's memory ... These were found at the scene where Alex's body was found," said Mr Forlong.
The floral purple blanket was distinctive, he said.
A team of 15 police were continuing to work through a large range of forensic evidence with ESR to progress the investigation and build a picture of the events which led to Alex's death, he said.
A number of items of interest were found around Waitarere Beach during the search for Alex.
"We have made a lot of progress in the last 14/15 days but we still have a lot of enquiries we need to carry out before we are in a position to move forward ... We are working through the enquiry and a number of exhibits to help us build a picture into Alex's death. We are taking a meticulous approach ... There's a lot more work to be done."
Some aspects of the investigation were not straightforward and police were taking a meticulous approach to gathering the information needed, Mr Forlong said.
"We are keeping an open mind about what happened, and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.
"We continue to appeal to the public for any information which could assist us."
Police were working closely with Alex's family who had requested privacy, Mr Forlong said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Levin police, or call the Operation Waitarere number 0800 234 7437 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Horowhenua Chronicle