Operation Windsor in Bay of Plenty District, 2:00pm

The homicide investigation into the suspicious death of a 78 year old local man, John Alan ROWE, who died overnight on monday 24 to tuesday 25 November 2008 at his home address in Windsor St, Opotiki continues.

Detective Inspector Rob Jones says 'police executed a further two search warrants yesterday morning at local addresses as they continue their hunt to identify the person or persons responsible for the fatal attack on Mr ROWE. Police were assisted by the ESR at both local addresses and two people were later questioned by police. Both have since been released without charge.

Detective Inspector Jones also said, 'as the investigation progresses it has become clear that police believe there is a group of persons who seem very reluctant to break their silence over their knowledge of what happened to Mr ROWE. It certainly leaves both myself and other police staff struggling to comprehend why anyone would want to hold on to information if they are not a suspect. We are dealing with the death of an elderly man, who had no known enemies, was unable to defend himself, and who was brutally attacked as he lay in his bed for no other apparent reason than the theft of his personal contents including his wallet. I am confident that two items recovered from inside the victim's address were those used by the person(s) to carry out the attack on Mr ROWE'.

'I can certainly appreciate the wide-spread concern of the community concerning community safety. There is no evidence which indicates this offending was repeated prior to the attack on Mr ROWE and police acknowledge that until those responsible for the attack are apprehended, community concern will remain. The investigation is making good progress and I remain very confident that the person(s) responsible for Mr ROWE's death will be apprehended.'

Approximately 30 investigation staff remain attached to the investigation as at todays date.