There have been rumours circulating in Whanganui that Police have located the body of Brett Hall. This information is incorrect and Police still want to hear from anyone with any information about Mr Hall.
The rumours are likely to have stemmed from a report received by Police on Tuesday evening (14 June) of a possible body in the Whangaehu River by a bridge on Kauangaroa Road.
The location was guarded overnight and on Wednesday morning the Police Dive Squad from Wellington attended and searched the area. They recovered a pair of waders in the water and mud underneath the bridge, which appeared on first sight to be a partially submerged body.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby said: "The disappearance of Mr Hall is still very much an active homicide investigation with over 30 staff working on the investigation. It concerns me that such rumours may have a detrimental impact in terms of people coming forward with information."
As a result of media publicity a number of associates of Mr Hall have contacted Police but it is known from ongoing enquiries that there are a number of other people who knew Mr Hall, or who have had recent contact with him, but haven't come forward.
"We are working through a process of speaking to everyone who had associations with Brett. That process would be made a great deal easier if those people came to us rather than waiting for us to come to them," said Detective Senior Sergeant Kirby.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the investigation team direct on 0800 PITANGI, email Pitangi@police.govt.nz or text 0272 475843. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.