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Positive sighting of car in Whanganui homicide inquiry.

Sunday 20 May 2012, 5:42PM

By New Zealand Police

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WHANGANUI

Police investigating the violent death of Derek Round in Whanganui are encouraged by a positive sighting of Derek's car early last Thursday morning.

"A member of the public saw the 1996 blue Jaguar XJ6 being driven from the Aramoho area into Whanganui by the river on Somme Parade around 8.00am on Thursday morning." says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby.

"This is positive news as we now believe the car was being driven by whoever was responsible for Derek's death. It was likely to have been taken away from Derek's house in Campbell Street on Wednesday evening.

"We also believe the car may have visited places in the Aramoho area between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning." said Mr Kirby.

Search teams have been checking parks and reserve areas around Aramoho today and also along the river bank in an effort to locate clothing believed to be linked to the crime scene in Campbell Street.

"The car sighting has helped us but I really need to hear from others who may have seen it. Although we believe it was in the Aramoho area we are keeping an open mind and are keen to hear from anyone who saw this distinctive vehicle around Whanganui last Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

"Many people will have been on their way work before 8.30am on Thursday morning and we know others will have seen the blue Jaguar."

"We are also still very focused on finding the clothing; a red long sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather sleeveless vest, dark coloured stonewashed jeans, dark fingerless gloves, and a pair of dark coloured sports shoes with white around the soles and coloured laces.

"I can also say that the post-mortem examination revealed Derek died following a number of violent blows to the head.

"This is a horrifying crime and the public will help us solve it.  Not only will you help put a violent offender before the court but you will also bring a resolution for Derek's grieving family.

"Please call us at Whanganui Police station on 06 349 0600 or if you prefer to remain anonymous the Crimestoppers number is 0800 555 111.