The black van police have linked to the homicide. Photo: Police / supplied
A vehicle sought in a homicide investigation linked to a fatal Ruapehu house fire has been found.
Sidney 'Ross' Bridson, 55 and a father of four, was found dead on 11 October last year after a blaze in Waitaanga. A post-mortem later determined he was actually shot dead.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the severe damage to the home made the investigation "an incredibly difficult one".
On Wednesday, police said information from the public helped them track down a black LDV van, which they believed travelled from Hamilton to Waitaanga overnight on 10 October, and back again.
It was located in Hamilton, where it was being forensically examined.
The black van police have linked to the homicide. Photo: Police / supplied
"It has been almost eight months since Ross's murder and our small but dedicated team remain committed to identifying and locating those responsible," Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said.
They released new images of the van, hoping someone out there has more information on its whereabouts in October last year.
"Police are hoping that through the release of these images, someone may remember seeing the van travelling between these locations or stopped on the side of a road anywhere in between."
Anyone that can help was urged to call 0800 287 453 or go online, referencing file number: 231011/2157, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.