Warning - contains offensive language.
Anonymous tipsters responding to an appeal for information on a vandalism attack have given police new leads on the murder of Feilding farmer Scott Guy.
Police yesterday released images of offensive graffiti painted on the walls of a home Scott and Kylee Guy were building at Aorangi Rd in January
2009.
Whoever carried out the vandalism, which caused $13,800 damage, could have had a link to the murder of Mr Guy in July 2010, police said.
Last night, a man, who claimed to be a friend of Mr Guy, told TV3's Campbell Live show he was too scared to speak to police.
Police today urged the man to make contact with the investigation team, along with anyone else who may be able to help the inquiry.
"We are trying to identify the person who has taken Scott's life and has left a family devastated," said Detective Inspector Sue Schwalger.
"People who have information that will help this investigation have nothing to fear - we will treat any information with sensitivity and in confidence.
"The need to solve this crime and bring some relief to Scott's family should far outweigh any concerns about coming forward," she said.
Police did not know whether the man interviewed had any information that could help their investigation.
"(However) it does illustrate that there may still be people in the community who could be of assistance to the investigation.
"The smallest piece of information may be the key to solving this crime so our message is simple - talk to us and let us gauge whether your information is useful."
A statement released today said more than 12 phone calls and some additional reports on the attack had been received on the anonymous police Crimestoppers line.
Investigators are planning to follow up on that information in the coming days to check whether it can shed new light on the murder.
Ms Schwalger said the vandalism attack on the house was a concern as some of the graffiti was personal.
Though police have not found anything in the Guy family's past that could have motivated the attack, the phrase 'Fuken Bitch Slappr' and another offensive message which could not be disclosed in full for "investigative reasons" were painted on outside walls, she said.
"It is important that we find out why the property was targeted, whether the graffiti was just mindless vandalism, or whether it was aimed at someone in particular and is connected in some way to Scott's death."
"We need to be able to include or exclude this vandalism from the investigation as it is consuming considerable time and resource that could be better focused if it is unrelated to Scott's death."
She is asking anyone with information on who carried out the vandalism to come forward.
Alternately, those who carried out the attack should ring police to profess their innocence, she said.
"The team cannot afford to be distracted, so if you are responsible for this vandalism and have nothing to do with Scott's murder you need to come forward and talk to us."
To give information on the vandalism attack or the death of Mr Guy, call 0800 808585 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.