Missing man's car focus of police inquiry

The focus of the inquiry into missing farmer Stephen George is on sightings of his car in the days following his suspected murder, say police.

Mr George has been missing since the farmhouse where he lived and worked in Tirohanga, near Taupo, was burnt down early last Sunday.

Dental records of a body found burnt in the fire were unable to confirm an identity. Police are waiting on DNA test results.

Detective Sergeant Dave Beattie, of Taupo police, said today Mr George left Kihikihi, near Te Awamutu, at about 1.15am on Sunday morning.

His farmhouse was reported on fire at 4.15am.

The two destinations were 100km apart, and the trip would take approximately one hour to drive.

Police discovered Mr George's burnt out Nissan Primera 10kms north of Mangakino, five days after the farmhouse fire.

Police were trying to piece together the movements of Mr George's car between last Sunday and Thursday.

Police would like anyone with any information to call 0800 782 709.

- NZPA