Queenstown - Kidnapping update

Queenstown Police have this afternoon revealed that they have identified and spoken with a second person believed to have been present at the violent attack on a 28 yr old Cromwell man and his 23yr old girlfriend at the Crown Range Road intersection with State Highway 6, near Queenstown, on Saturday morning.

Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron of Queenstown declined to comment on the gender or age of the person spoken to, saying that the information was sensitive at this early stage of the enquiry.

Cameron gave no indication as to whether the person was facing charges in relation to the attack but stated that the information garnered from the person was certainly of assistance to the enquiry.

Cameron further stated that Police were in the process of examining those exhibits recovered and had been in contact with the ESR seeking guidance for some of the more perplexing exhibits and were confident that those involved would be bought to account.

"I would urge those persons involved to get in contact with Police at the first opportunity. This is an extremely serious matter with the very real potential that those responsible could face lengthy terms of imprisonment on conviction".

"You will be identified. Whether that happens in the next 24 hours or the next few weeks, it would be better for you to come to Police and offer what explanation you may wish regarding your involvement in this matter, than to mistakenly believe that we will not come for you".

Cameron stated that Police would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen a white 4 door car described as being similar to a Toyota Camry with an emblem or sticker of some kind on the rear left passenger side window which was seen in the immediate vicinity of the attack at the relevant time.

Police were also appealing for anyone in the Chartres Green area of Arrowtown who may have seen or heard anything suspicious occurring in the small hours of Saturday morning to make contact with Police.

The phone number for Queenstown Police is 03 441 1600 or should a witness wish to assist yet remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.