Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley's death 'was not a random attack', police say

One of Lois Rita Tolley's neighbours says a group of young men aggressively banged on his door just hours before she was killed. Photo / Facebook

One of Lois Rita Tolley's neighbours says a group of young men aggressively banged on his door just hours before she was killed.

The 30-year-old was found dead in her Upper Hutt home on Ward St at midnight on Friday.

Police believe a knife and firearm were used and are treating her death as a homicide.

They are appealing to a group of four men who were seen at the house to come forward.

"This was not a random attack, and we believe the men went to Ms Tolley's address for a reason," said Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee.

A nearby neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said a group of men knocked "violently" on his door between 10 and 11 o'clock on Friday.

"None of my people knock on my door like that. If my mates come around they give me a courtesy of a phone call or they come around the back and tap on that door."

"No one who bangs on my door like that is welcome in my house."

The neighbor said he felt unsafe and approached the side door to his house with a metal bar to protect himself.

He said he could see at least two young men through the glass who appeared to be looking for a woman.

"They were asking for someone. I don't know whether they were saying her name [Tolley] or just if some chick lived here."

The neighbour said the men ran down the drive when they saw he was holding a metal bar.

"If I had got over myself and not got so angry at them I could have got a really good look at them and got to know who they were."

He said he did not become aware of Tolley's death until a neighbour woke him up later that night.

He said the incident was still upsetting.

McKee said police are working to collect and review a large amount of CCTV footage which they expect to help provide further evidence.

He said the four men who were seen heading towards Ms Tolley's Ward St address shortly before midnight on Friday were described as in their 20s, wearing dark, hooded clothing.

They were seen leaving the address shortly after midnight.

They are "We're appealing for them to come forward before we come knocking on their door," he said.

"A number of people are speaking to us and we're getting some really good information.
But we're also asking these men to be brave and come forward, to give us an account of what happened."

McKee said police had met with family yesterday, some of whom had arrived from Australia.

"We've given them an undertaking we are working very hard for them, and for Lois, and we want to resolve this as quickly as possible."

He says a post-mortem was carried out over the weekend and a number of people are speaking with Police who have provided valuable information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Archer team based at Upper Hutt Police Station by phoning (04) 381 2000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.