Men's running shoes a clue to murder

Police are interested in sightings in men's trainers similar to these.

Police investigating the slaying of Wanganui barmaid Tania McKenzie are appealing for help to find a pair of men's running shoes they believe could help them catch her killer.

Ms McKenzie's naked body was found floating in the Whanganui River on January 7, her 20th birthday.

Police have said she died a painful death after receiving "savage and brutal" injuries. She was also sexually violated.

Police said they were interested in any sightings of a pair of men's size 9 1/2 Asics GT2070 running shoes.

They said they might have been discarded, placed in rubbish, burnt or partially destroyed.

Detectives appealed for anyone with information about the shoes to contact them.