Case of body in burned house takes sinister turn

Five bunches of flowers and a teddy bear lie in the remains of a burned-out house in remote Tirohanga, north of Taupo, as the mystery surrounding a man's body discovered there 10 days ago grows more puzzling and sinister.

Yesterday police announced that they had found a balaclava and socks in the wreck of a car belonging to Stephen George, who lived at the house and is missing.

The body found at the house has not been formally identified, but police believe it is that of the 35-year-old farm manager and father of four.

Mr George's 1993 grey Nissan Primera saloon was found abandoned on a forestry road about 40km away, five days after the October 9 blaze.

It too had been destroyed by fire, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said an intact blue balaclava and pair of black socks were in the remains of the Nissan.

"We're obviously very interested, seeing the vehicle was severely damaged in the fire, as to who would have put that balaclava and socks in the car because it appears that may have happened after the fire," he said.

The items had been sent for forensic examination.

More than 30 officers were on the case and they remained puzzled about why anyone would want to hurt Mr George.

"A lot of people have said he didn't have any enemies. We're still looking for a motive," Mr Loper said.

The police team had spent the past few days speaking to people who knew Mr George in communities between Tirohanga and Te Awamutu, where his wife, children and parents live.

"We're trying to build up a picture of Mr George's affairs and associates. They may or may not involve criminal links."

Mr Loper would not comment on whether his disappearance was thought to be drug-related.

The only information police know with certainty is that Mr George was last seen three hours before his house burned down.

He was said to have left an address in Kihikihi, on the outskirts of Te Awamutu and about an hour's drive from Tirohanga.

Police would not disclose who the information came from, but said the address was not his wife and children's home.

Mr George regularly visited them from his Tirohanga job.

Can you help?

* Police are appealing for sightings of Mr George or his car, registration YO6136, between Wednesday, October 5, and Thursday, October 13, the day the destroyed Nissan was spotted on a forestry road 10km north of Mangakino.

* Anyone with information should call 0800 STAR09 (0800 782-709).