Lois Dear's handbag, wallet missing

Police hunting Lois Dear's killer say they have been unable to find her handbag, wallet, cellphone and car keys since the brutal murder.

They believe the items were taken from her classroom by the killer and may have since been dumped elsewhere in Tokoroa.

"If anyone comes across any handbag, cellphone or keys we want them to notify us and we'll pick them up," said Detective Inspector Garth Bryan, heading the inquiry.

Ms Dear, 66, was found dead in her classroom by a fellow teacher just before noon on Sunday. She had multiple head, face and upper-body injuries.

Before fleeing, the killer or killers placed undisclosed items on her body, stole her handbag and left Strathmore School in her blue 1994 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

The car was dumped in Mossop Rd, about 2.5km from the school, behind the Catholic church. It was found that night and underwent an extensive forensic examination, the results of which could take three weeks.

On Wednesday, police said they had found some keys and were checking to see if they belonged to Ms Dear's car. Yesterday, Mr Bryan said they did not match and police were still hunting for her car keys, also believed to have school keys attached.

Mr Bryan said police were not entirely sure which handbag Ms Dear had with her on Sunday morning but it would have contained her wallet, bankcards and cellphone.

He would not give a description of the phone or wallet, nor would he say if they had been used since the killing.

"If someone has found these items and is now fearful of coming forward they should not be concerned. They will be treated very favourably by police."

As the investigation enters its sixth day police are still gathering information. They ask for anyone who owns a car similar to Ms Dear's to contact them.

"We are asking anyone with a blue Toyota Corolla hatchback to contact us with their movements on Sunday so we can eliminate any sightings not connected with our investigation."

Hundreds of friends and family are expected at the funeral today in Thames.

* POLICE HOTLINE 0800 525-368