Large search begins tomorrow in hunt for knife used in murder of Matthew Hall

Wellington Police investigating the brutal murder of 35 year old Matthew Hall, will begin an extensive search in Johnsonville over the weekend for the knife used in the ferocious attack.

Mr Hall was found dead in his bed at home in Broderick Road, Johnsonville around 6:15pm on Tuesday 15 February 2011.

Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton says Matthew Hall died as a result of multiple stab wounds inflicted by a large knife, with a serrated edge.

"This murder weapon may have been discarded in the vicinity of 118 Broderick Road. Extensive searches on the property have failed to find any trace of the knife, therefore a fuller search with a large number of Police staff will get underway tomorrow morning, with the involvement of Specialist Search Group (SSG) members."

Dave Thornton says the search will take several days due to the extent of the area Police wish to search. It will include a large area in and around 118 Broderick Road and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Johnsonville residents in the area may receive a visit from Police over the weekend asking to search the exterior of their properties.

"We would greatly appreciate the assistance of Johnsonville residents during our search."

"Whoever is responsible for Matthew's death may have discarded the murder weapon near Matthew's Broderick Road house. Finding the knife will lead us to the offender or offenders responsible for this violent death and this search will be ongoing."

Anyone with any information about this investigation should phone Police immediately on free phone number 0508 BRODERICK or via email OpBroderick@police.govt.nz.