KEY POINTS:
Police investigating the death of a woman whose decomposing body was found in a layby north of Morrinsville last week, have upgraded their inquiry to a homicide.
The naked body of the woman, believed to be between 25 and 35, may have been lying near a layby on State Highway 27 near the bridge over the Piako River for a fortnight.
Police said after a post mortem yesterday, further pathology work was needed to find out how she died.
"This has been made difficult due to the level of decomposition of the body," said Waikato police spokesman Tony Sasso.
"Police can confirm, however, that a homicide inquiry is now under way. At this stage further comment will not be made as to the reasons for this," he said in a statement.
Mr Sasso said identifying the woman was "still problematic".
Police were examining missing person reports and following up a great public response to vehicle sightings in the layby.
"Examination of the deceased reveals she is a female possibly aged 25-35 years, approximately 155cm-158cm and of medium-solid build.
"No other significant identifiable features could be noted and there have been no personal possessions found at the scene. The body was naked when it was discovered."
Mr Sasso said police would do a meticulous scene examination in the next few days.
A specialist forensic search team had been called in and police divers would search the Piako River.
- NZPA
