Winz shootings: Dive squad joins search

Police and forensics officers at the Ashburton Winz office on Monday where Russell Tully allegedly killed two women and injured another. Photo / Ashburton Guardian

A dive squad has joined the search in Ashburton for items related to the triple shooting last week, which killed two and injured one.

Police officers have been searching the area around the Ashburton River along the suspected route alleged shooter Russell John Tully took after the fatal Work and Income incident on September 1.

Today divers were drafted in from Wellington to join the intensive search, which was extended to the riverbed.

The divers began scouring underwater for any items which may be related to the investigation, including an additional firearm and ammunition which police believe may have been in the shooter's possession.

People have been asked to stay away from the search area while the search continues.

In a statement released this afternoon, police thanked the public and media for their help in identifying and supplying information relating to the owner of a coloured mountain bike which was located last week.

Meanwhile, a memorial service will be held on Thursday for slain Work and Income workers Peg Noble and Leigh Cleveland, who were killed in last Monday's shooting. Their colleague Lindy Curtis, 43, was critically injured, and remains in hospital.

Tully, 48, has been charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder, and has been remanded in custody to appear in the High Court at Christchurch on September 23.

Anyone with information related to the incident, or which may help locating personal items, is asked to contact Ashburton police on 03 307 8411, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.