Death of Stephen Murphy not suspicious - police

Police spent much of the day searching hte surrounding areas, and will make an appeal to public sometime on Thursday.

Stratford Police are now treating the death of 36-year-old Stephen John Murphy whose body was found in the Patea River (near the Stratford Township) earlier this week as not suspicious.

Preliminary post mortem results suggest Mr Murphy drowned.

Mr Murphy was last seen by his sister in the vicinity of Brecon Road (near where he was found) at 3:30pm on Sunday, 1 September.

Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Marc Hercock says: "I want to thank the Stratford public as well as local media for their support with our appeal for information."

"While we are treating Mr Murphy's death as not suspicious, we are still keen to hear from anyone that may have seen Mr Murphy since 1 September as we are still piecing together his movements," says Mr Hercock.

Anyone with information about Mr Murphy's movements prior to his death is asked to contact the Stratford Police Station on (06) 765 8860. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.