Members of public who may have sighted vehicles near McLaren Falls on Friday are being asked to come forward.

A police media spokesperson says the appeal is part of the investigation into the murder of Mitchell Paterson, whose body was found in the water below McLaren Falls Bridge on Friday

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw vehicles near McLaren Falls, lower Kaimai, or McLaren Falls Road between the hours of 5am and 7.30am on Friday July 13.

'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 July 12 or Friday July 13 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.