Police want more information from the public as they continue a homicide investigation into the death of a man found after a house fire east of Taupo.
Stephen George, a 33-year-old farmworker, lived alone at the Tirohanga house.
Police say the house fire on October 9 was arson and Mr George's car was stolen by the arsonist. The burned-out car was found 40km away on October 12, near Mangakino in south Waikato.
Items found in the car, including a balaclava and a pair of socks, have been examined by the ESR.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said two hairs found on the socks were having more forensic testing to obtain a DNA profile.
"Police have not yet heard from any persons who may have placed these items into the rear of the vehicle after the intense fire," he said.
Police want more information about Mr George and the fires. They have established he was at an associate's home in Kihikihi before drinking at a nearby tavern on the evening of October 8.
He left an associate's home at 1.30am to go home. The fire brigade was called at 4.17am when the house was reported to be ablaze.
- NZPA
Fire, death mystery lingers
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