Van sighting could progress Furlong case

This van has been linked to the Jane Furlong case.

Police investigating the 1993 death of Jane Furlong are looking for a light coloured Morris van or similar.

Operation Darlia, the Furlong homicide investigation team, has completed its detailed forensic search of her last known home in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga - including the lawn area - and the team is now appealing for information about the van.

Detective Inspector Mark Benefield said the van's shape is quite distinctive, and the team has received information that suggests it was connected to the Karangahape Road and Port Waikato areas when Jane went missing in May 1993.

"I'm hopeful that someone who lived or worked in those areas may remember the van and who used it," Mr Benefield said.

Ms Furlong's skeletal remains were found buried in sand dunes at Sunset Beach, Port Waikato, just over 13 months ago.

Anyone with information about the Morris van or Jane's death is encouraged to contact the Operation Darlia team on 0800 675 263.

"We are determined to get to the bottom of this inquiry,'' Mr Benefield said.

"The investigation has taken us in a number of directions and we have spoken to a large number of people, many who knew Jane. During the latest search of her last address we recovered some items that might progress the investigation but we won't know their value until they are fully forensically tested.

"I believe there are several people who know what happened to Jane and some of them are probably feeling a little nervous right now.''

A reward of $50,000 in relation to information about those responsible for Ms Furlong's death was issued by police in March and is available to be claimed until 1 September this year.

• Do you have any information on the pictured van? Email newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz