New information has surfaced that could lead police to the killer of Marton pensioner Mona Morriss.
Sixty-six Police College recruits continued their door-to-door search yesterday after learning 35 new pieces of information on Sunday.
Operation Wellington head Detective Sergeant Tim Smith said some of the new information could be important in helping
catch the killer.
"I'm encouraged by the information coming through," he said Mr Smith said the information related to people acting suspiciously near the Wellington Rd flats Mrs Morriss was killed in and sightings of Mrs Morriss.
Mrs Morriss, 83, was found dead in her flat by family on January 5. She died of multiple stab wounds and received other injuries in what police described as a brutal attack. "A knife and other items of property have also been handed into police," Mr Smith said.
About 40 percent of people's responses had been assessed, he said.
It was frustrating for police that members of the public hadn't come forward with information after six weeks of appeals.
"Often you have to go door knocking, some people are happier to talk in the comfort of their own home."
Knocking on people's doors had been valuable in other homicide investigations and helped solve many.
"They've had good results in the past," he said.
Questions people asked residents included if they knew Mrs Morriss, the area she lived or about her distinctive purse which was missing from her belongings.
The aim was to track down every person who was in town when Mrs Morriss was killed.
There are about 6000 people and 2200 properties in Marton and police would cover as much as possible.
The reaction from people had been co-operative, but there had been one or two instances where a resident slammed their door in police recruits face. Reasons for their reactions would be investigated, Mr Smith said.
Three detectives from Christchurch and three from Palmerston North joined the investigation yesterday as other officers went on leave.
About 25 staff members remained on the Operation Wellington team. Anyone with any information on the case can call 0800 493 554.
