Police seek sightings of young person near Otautau

POLICE investigating the death of a boy in Otautau, Southland, have called for sightings of a young person walking along the Aparima riverbank on Wednesday night.

Police have also clarified the age of the boy, who was 9 years old, rather than 8, as has been reported.

Officers flooded the small community of Otautau on Wednesday night after the boy was found dead.

They arrested and charged a person with murder in relation to the death.

That person appeared in Invercargill Youth Court on Thursday and did not enter a plea.

They were remanded in custody until November 19, when they will appear in the Invercargill High Court.

Details about their identity, including their age and sex, were suppressed.

Police yesterday said they were seeking sightings of a young person on

Wednesday night.

The person may have been walking along the Aparima riverbank between Otautau and Fairfax, or on the main road between Otautau and Fairfax, between 6pm and midnight.

‘‘We are also interested in any sightings of a youth walking in the general area of Eton St, Otautau between the same times,’’ Acting Inspector Greg Baird, of Invercargill, said.

Insp Baird said forensic examination of two properties continued yesterday.

Police and Victim Support, would continue to work with family, schools and the community. Officers would be conducting an area canvas in Otautau today.

Police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident and reassured members of the public it was an isolated incident.

Anyone with information that may assist this investigation was urged to contact police on 105.