A post-mortem on the body of veteran journalist Derek Round has revealed he suffered a "horrific attack'' in the living room of his home.
Mr Round, 77, was found was found dead in his Whanganui house on Thursday.
During his career spanning more than five decades he held roles as an editor and was foreign correspondent. In 2010 Mr Round was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to journalism.
He also reportedly once worked as a spy and had links to the KGB.
Police were appealing to the public for information about the movements of Mr Round before the attack and his 1996 blue Jaguar XJ6, which could be key to the investigation, said Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby.
The "distinctive car'' left his property in Campbell St after 7pm on Wednesday night.
Police also asked Wanganui residents to look out for clothes in the area that could be linked to the attacker and could provide vital information.
These were, a red long-sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather sleeveless vest, dark coloured stonewashed jeans, dark fingerless gloves and a pair of dark coloured sports shoes with a light colour around the soles and coloured laces.
Police teams were searching parks and reserves around Whanganui today for this clothing and a scene examination at the Campbell St property was continuing.
Anyone with information which could be helpful was asked to contact Whanganui police on 06 349 0600.
