KEY POINTS:
Police investigating the murder of a Christchurch prostitute whose body was found in the Avon River three days ago are concentrating on finding her last client.
Ngatai Lynette Manning, also known as Mallory, was found by a kayaker near Dallington Terrace, east of the city centre, about 6.50am Friday.
She suffered extensive injuries and was believed to have been dead before entering the water.
Police today were trying to establish Ms Manning's movements on Thursday night.
Two people who were with Ms Manning that night have come forward to police, Detective Inspector Greg Williams said.
"One of those persons has brought her into town after picking her up walking along Blenheim Road at about 9.17 pm. The other was a client who picked her up at around 9.30pm from the corner of Peterborough Street and Manchester Street."
Ms Manning directed the client to the car park at the old Caledonian Hotel in Caledonian St, St Albans.
Police were searching the carpark and surrounding area this morning.
Ms Manning was dropped back in Manchester St at about 9.55 pm.
The last text message she sent was at 10.43pm.
Her watch had stopped about 10.59pm.
"Mallory's watch is currently being examined by ESR and one of the key aspects is to establish if it has stopped because of contact with the water."
Police received a possible sighting of Ms Manning at the corner of Peterborough and Manchester Sts about 10.15 p.m.
They are focusing on her actions between 10.15pm and 11.30pm, Mr Williams said.
"I am very pleased that we have had one of her clients that night come forward. It is important that we respect the confidentiality of these people and ask that any other person who might have employed Mallory that evening or the night before the come forward."
Ms Manning was last seen wearing a blue bikini top with dots and a short red skirt and black ankle length boots or black high heeled shoes with two straps.
Police said they would like to hear from anyone one who may have used Ms Manning's service or seen her on Thursday night.
"As yet we have not been able to identify where Mallory went into the river or where she was attacked," Mr Williams said yesterday.
He confirmed they were still looking for a weapon.
The search of the river where she was found may have uncovered items of interest but he refused to say what they were.
- NZPA
