Police intensify hunt for clues in farmer shooting

Officers stopped more than 200 motorists at roadblocks yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Police investigating the murder of Manawatu dairy farmer Scott Guy have intensified their search for the weapon used to kill him and set up secret early-morning roadblocks to identify any witnesses.

Yesterday, after officers staged a series of checkpoints in the area, Inspector Sue Schwalger spoke to journalists outside the house where the 31-year-old was gunned down.

"We have another search phase which is ongoing," she said.

"This will include a roadside search and extended environs. And we're looking for the firearm. Currently we are looking for a shotgun. We are unable to advise whether that is a particular make or model."

Asked if she was concerned that frosty weather might have ruined evidence, Ms Schwalger said: "At this stage we are keen to find any weapon in any state."

Six search and rescue workers from Palmerston North, Levin and Wanganui police were seen walking side-by-side hacking bush on the side of the Oroua River, which runs behind Mr Guy's house.

Ms Schwalger said investigators would consider using a police dive team.

Officers had earlier stopped about 230 motorists between 4.30am and 8am at five roadblocks around Aorangi Rd.

"The purpose of the roadblocks were two things. The first was to work out what sort of traffic there was at that time of the morning," Ms Schwalger said.

"It's the same day, the same times as when we believe Scott was shot.

"And the second purpose was to jog the motorists' memory, seeing if anyone who was going to work may have seen something that was out of the ordinary. Not everyone realises what's gone on."

About 80 motorists filled out questionnaires and were asked things such as, "Do you regularly use this route?", "Did you use this route last Thursday?" and "Are you aware of Scott's death?".

The information will be analysed over the next few days.

Police also handed out 150 leaflets with a photo of Mr Guy, the date of his murder and phone numbers for the investigation team.

"The investigation is yet to establish any key links or motives," Ms Schwalger said.

"We've spent a lot of time with the family and trying to see what might point us in the direction of why this occurrence happened."

She said she was "very hopeful" the public would come through with information despite minimal response to an 0800 number.

"We're not sure what the reason is behind the lack of response. It may be that no one knows [anything] or it may be that someone is scared. That is the reason why we have an anonymous phone-in line.

"I encourage anyone out there in the community who may know something, even if it is the smallest piece of information, we'd like to hear it."

Hundreds of mourners are expected at Mr Guy's funeral this morning.

The service will be held at the StJohn the Evangelist Anglican Church in Feilding, followed by a privateburial.

Mr Guy left behind wife Kylee, who is pregnant with a second child due in September, and 2-year-old son Hunter.

* Anyone with information can phone the Palmerston North police on 0800-808-585 or the Crimestoppers tip line anonymously on 0800-555-111