Murder detectives to interview everyone in Marton

Police hunting the killer of Marton pensioner Mona Morriss plan to interview everyone who was in the Manawatu town on the day she met her brutal death.

The blitz is possible with assistance of recruits from the Police College, with 33 due in Marton on Sunday and 66 the following day.

Operation Wellington head Detective Sergeant Tim Smith said police wanted to know who was in each house and who was visiting on January 3 and 4.

"We still believe it was a local person or someone who was visiting and knew the town well.

"We want to know who the occupiers are and who exactly was staying. It was still during the holidays so there were a lot of visitors around."

There are 6000 people and 2200 properties in Marton.

Mrs Morriss, 83, was stabbed to death in her Wellington Road home on either January 3 or 4.

She was also sexually assaulted.

- NZPA