Police investigating McLaren Falls homicide seeking vehicle sightings

Police are seeking information from the public as they continue to investigate the homicide of Mitchell Paterson, whose body was found in the water below McLaren Falls Bridge, Tauranga on Friday 13 July. 
 
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw vehicles in the vicinity of McLaren Falls, lower Kaimai McLaren Falls Road between the hours of 5am and 7.30am on Friday 13 July. We are particularly interested in any light coloured 4x4 and any other vehicles that appeared to be travelling in convoy or singular in and around the McLaren Falls area. 
 
The homicide investigation into Mitchell’s death covers both the Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas. 
 
A number of people have been spoken to and are assisting police with their enquiries and anyone that had contact with Mitchell on Thursday 12 July or Friday 13 July are asked to make themselves known to police as police work towards reconstructing the events that led to Mitchell’s death 
 
We also wish to extend our condolences to Mitchell’s family at this time. The family have asked for privacy at this time and request that media respect their privacy and allow them to grieve and have time to process the loss of their loved one. 
 
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  
 
ENDS 
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.