No luck with balaclava mystery

Police have received little information about a balaclava and pair of socks placed in a burned-out vehicle belonging to missing Tirohanga farm manager Stephen George.

Mr George's 1993 silver Nissan Primera was discovered about 40km from his home in the rural community north of Taupo.

The vehicle had been set alight and abandoned but a blue balaclava and a pair of black socks were found in the rear.

The discovery was made five days after a man's body was found in the burned remains of Mr George's house.

The body has not been formally identified but is believed to be that of the 35-year-old father of four. Police have launched a homicide investigation