Police halt tip search for severed hands

Police trying to find the severed hands of murder victim Tony Stanlake have called a halt to a two-day search of a Wellington rubbish tip.

Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of the inquiry, said investigators reassessed the search at the Happy Valley Landfill overnight and have decided it is no longer feasible to continue.

"We gave the search our best shot and are confident we were in the right area," he said. "It's disappointing we haven't found the hands but it was always going to be difficult given the way items are compacted and shredded at the tip face."

Scene examinations are continuing at the house in Strathavon Road, Miramar, where police believe Mr Stanlake was killed.

His mutilated body was found on the Wellington coast two weeks ago.

Flyers showing Mr Stanlake's 1994 blue Ford Laser - registration number SU472 - are being distributed to Miramar households in a bid to record any sightings of the vehicle in recent months.

The car itself, parked on a trailer, will be positioned outside 14 Strathavon Road from later this afternoon for several days.

"We really want to know more about Tony's movements, including his car, in the weeks leading up to his death," Detective Inspector Arnerich said. "People must have seen it in the area. We're hoping that by physically placing the car outside the house this might help recall some sightings."

Daniel Robert Moore, 21, of Lower Hutt, has been charged with Mr Stanlake's murder and Peter George Leach, 21, a butcher from Miramar, Wellington, charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

* Anyone with information about the murder can call 0509 Red Rocks - 0508 733 762.

- NZHERALD STAFF