Murder victim tried to flee attacker

Allison McPhee. Photo / Supplied

Police say murdered woman Allison McPhee, whose body was found at a Wellington block of flats last week, tried to flee her attacker.

Acting Detective Inspector Scott Miller, head of the investigation into the murder of the 42-year-old, said a scene examination suggests Ms McPhee attempted to run away from her killer.

"The front door to the flat was secured from the inside so we believe the offender may have escaped through a rear window," said Mr Miller.

Mr Miller said the weapon used to kill Ms McPhee was likely to have been a round rod made of steel, wood or aluminium.

"This could have been discarded once the offender left the Newtown Park Flats," said Mr Miller.

Ms McPhee's body was found on Wednesday, July 28. Police believe she may have been dead for between three and five days when she was found.

Police have now spoken to most of the residents of Newtown Park Flats and the surrounding area but Mr Miller urged any associates of Ms McPhee's not yet spoken to by police and anyone else with information to get in touch.

- NZ Herald staff