Lookalike car aids house-fire probe

This car is the same colour and has the same numberplate as Stephen George’s Nissan Primera, found burned out in Mangakino.

A replica of the 1993 Nissan Primera driven by Stephen George went on a display yesterday at a pub where he was seen on what is believed to be the last night of his life.

The car will remain at the Star Tavern at Kihikihi, 4km southeast of Te Awamutu, until Saturday, said investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper.

Police will also staff a caravan displaying photos of the missing man who is assumed to have perished in a blaze at his home in Tirohanga, near Taupo, on October 9.

Mr Loper said police hoped the display would help them gain more information on Mr George's movements and that of his vehicle.

Police have now released a photograph of a pack located near the scene of the house fire. The ex-army pack has the words "SPARE 2" written in pen along a shoulder strap. Also written on the pack is the name Jonathan VIL-. Police have located "Jonathon" who had possession of it five years earlier.

Police want to hear from anyone who has had the pack in the past five years, or knows how it came to be left near the scene of the house fire.

The operations staff can be contacted on 0800 STAR09.

Mr George's house at Tirohanga was gutted by fire in the early hours of October 9.

A body found inside has not been formally identified but police suspect it is that of the 35-year-old father of four, who lived in the house alone.

Mr George was drinking at the tavern with friends until 11pm and briefly returned about 1am to buy more beer.

He left a friend's house soon after 1.30am to return home.

Mr George's burned out car was found in Mangakino in south Waikato on October 13.

- NZPA