Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson, Area Investigations Manager:

A homicide inquiry has commenced following the death of a woman in Pahiatua yesterday.

Police were called to a residential address on Arthur Street in Pahiatua at around 4.40pm, where they located the woman deceased.

A scene guard is in place at the property and nearby residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the coming days as we conduct a scene examination and make enquiries in the area.

Local police have also been working with the school near the property to provide reassurance and an alternative route for students to enter and exit the school.

We know the police presence will be unsettling but we can confirm there is no threat to the wider community.

A car belonging to the woman is missing from the address and Police are appealing for any sightings of it since yesterday afternoon. It is possible the car may no longer be in the Pahiatua area, so we are appealing for sightings across the central North Island region.

The car is a red, late-model Mitsubishi ASX VRX station wagon, registration QGU91.

Police would also like to hear from anyone else who has information which they think may assist our enquiries.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251015/6286.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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