HOAX WITH HAND

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30091, 27 March 1963, Page 10

HOAX WITH HAND

Trailed From Boot Of Car (N.Z. Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ Mar 26 A blood-spattered hand trailing from the boot of a car in the city on Sunday afternoon set off a police inquiry that caused many irate residents to be disturbed late on Sunday night and early on Monday' morning. Early police inquiries indicated the possibility of a hoax, but to remove any possible doubt members of the C.I.R. were called out on Sunday night. The perpetrator of the hoax was apparently one of the last to .be interviewed. It is understood be had driven around with an artificial hand spattered with red paint trailing from the boot. The police were told by several persons that they had seen the hand, but they could give only a vague description ot the car. Police today declined to comment on the incident. They, confirmed, however, that extensive inquiries were carried out, involving the checking of cars until the early hours of Sunday morning. First information came from a motorist driving from Palmerston North to Woodville. Another motorist saw the car, started to give chase, but lost the vehicle. The inquiries were closed yesterday afternoon.