Witness reports lone male behind wheel of murdered teacher's car

Lois Dear's blue Toyota Corolla hatchback.

Police investigating the murder of Tokoroa teacher Lois Dear believe they have a good description of a person who drove her car on the day of her death, but they don't want to make it public yet.

Her blue Toyota Corolla hatchback, registration TE252, was found behind the Catholic church less than 2km from her school, Strathmore Primary.

Inquiry head Detective Inspector Garth Bryan said police had one good description of the driver.

"A woman has told us of seeing the car driven up and down the road that the church is in around noon on Sunday," Mr Bryan said.

"It was a male driver and he was alone, but I don't want to give any more details out because I want the public to volunteer information about what he looks like rather than have the idea put in their heads by police."

There was good reason to believe the sighting was of Ms Dear's car.

Meanwhile the funeral for Lois Dear was held in Thames this morning. Hundreds showed up to pay their respects. Among the mourners were children from Ms Dear's school and their parents.

- NZPA