Few details from death inquiry
Just how close police are to making an arrest following the death of a man at a remote Taranaki campground remains unclear.
Police have released little detail into the progress of their homicide investigation following the discovery of the body of English-born Adrian Humphreys.
It has been 19 days since Humphreys was found just after day break at the Bushlands Campground in Tāngarākau on May 7.
It still remains unclear how Humphreys died at the campground, which is on State Highway 43 and a two-and-a-half hour drive from New Plymouth.
Police were this week asked about the progress of the investigation, if they were still wanting to speak to anyone who was in the Tāngarākau Valley on the night of the homicide, if they were seeking any information on people or vehicles leaving the area and how many police were still working on the case.
In response, Detective Craig Sheridan said through the police communications team that the ‘‘police are working with Mr Humphreys’ family and a team of investigators is continuing to work on the investigation’’.
Humphreys’ sister Taresa travelled to New Zealand last week and has been organising his funeral, which was due to be held on Saturday, although no other details are available.
It is believed Humphreys’ ashes will then be returned to the United Kingdom.
A former Royal Air Force colleague of Humphreys has appealed for help from former workmates to provide a tribute at his funeral.
One said: ‘‘He wasn’t bad at football. (His words, not mine!) Always had a smile on his face… very reliable. Yes, known as Ade or Humpty!’’
Sheridan said police reiterate the appeal for anyone with information to provide it via the 105 phone line by quoting file number 220507/5811.