10 February 2000
ARMY TO HELP INQUIRY
The search for the killer of Lisa Blakie will be boosted tomorrow with army personnel helping the search.
Detective Inspector Rob POPE says that over 80 personnel from Charlie Company, 2nd First Battalion of RNZA Infantry
Regiment, will be helping the inquiry team on Friday. They will be accompanied by 8 specialist Police searchers and
support staff on a close search of the environs and edges of the SH 73 over to the coast. Lisa's body was found in the
Porter River near a lay by off the road last Sunday morning .
"They'll be looking at the areas about 20 metres either side of the road from Springfield to Arthur's Pass for any
discarded objects and anything unusual. When army personnel find anything out of the ordinary, police specialist search
team staff will be brought in to examine it more closely and assess the value to the inquiry."
"We'll be looking at bridge approaches, under bridges, and over banks." says Major Layne Sefton of the Regiment.
"Anywhere accessible and inaccessible will be looked at closely."
In the weekend the search will be assisted by a RNZAF helicopter.
Road safety vehicles will be on hand to assist traffic flow.
The search is expected to last several days.
NOTE
The army will be briefed at the Springfield Domain however media will not be admitted to the briefing. They are expected
to be leaving there at 8am.
Detective Ian Carter will be O/C and media should liaise with Ian. Major Sefton is the Army spokesperson at the scene.
Rob POPE, Detective Inspector
Maggie Leask, Canterbury District Police, 03 363 7815, 021 663 701