Lisa Blakie: Building And Vehicle Searches

16 February 2000

BUILDING AND VEHICLE SEARCHES

A team of detectives is checking all buildings along SH73 from the Porter River Bridge, where the body of 20 year old Lisa Blakie was found last Sunday 6 February, towards Arthur's Pass.

Detective Inspector Rob POPE says that until the team is satisfied that they know where Lisa was, from the last time a young woman fitting her description was seen on Wednesday 2 February at Springfield Garage until her body was found four days later, they have to explore every option. This should take several days.

The team finished looking through Castle Hill last night and will move towards Cass today.

"We can't discount any possibility. If necessary, we will begin to work back towards Springfield or even cast the net wider,"he says.

"She may have reached the coast which is why we will send circulars to all households and businesses on the coast at the end of this week. By sending Lisa's face and other photos into people's homes, they may jog someone's memory and give us another link."

In another effort to firm up and get more information to assist the inquiry, a team of detectives and traffic police will monitor and speak to all motorists at the Kowai no 2 bridge today. This will take place over the lunch hours to try to find regular drivers.

Kowai no 2 bridge was where Lisa's dog Kaos was seen roaming free and picked up by passing motorists about two hours after Lisa was last seen at Springfield.

"If we can find more people who travelled this way on the Wednesday 2 February we may get more information about who else was in the area," sasy Rob POPE. "Talking about that day may jog someone's memory."

Sightings and suggestions of brown/ beige vehicles have continued to come into Christchurch Police today and staff are following these up.

Police would also like to talk to two people seen camping in the Porter River lay by on Wednesday 2 and Friday 4 February, but emphasise that they are not suspects.

"These people were seen camping there and may have seen something or someone they may not have realised the significance of," says Mr POPE. "They may have been tourists or hikers."

The man was a caucasian, in his forties, thought to be wearing a red kilt. His female companion was also caucasian, about 30 years old, with long dark hair in a pony tail and with a pale complexion.

They had a white vehicle, late 80's model, and a four man dome tent, grey/ green in colour.

Mr POPE emphasises that these people are not suspects but may have information for the police. They are asked to contact their nearest Police or Christchurch Police directly.

Rob POPE Detective Inspector

Maggie Le-ask, Canterbury District Police, 03 363 7815, 021 663 701

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