Search for handbag

Press, 29 August 1980, Page 4

Search for handbag

PA Auckland Detectives want to speak to the drivers of two cars Jacqueline Hazel Blunden was seen trying to hitch rides from shortly before her severe bashing early last Saturday. One of the cars slowed and drove within one metre of Miss Blunden who was hitch-hiking along Anzac Street, Takapuna, about 3 a.m.- after leaving the Kicks nightclub. The other, “a small car,” according to a witness, drove straight past the Northcote girl, aged 16.

“The drivers’ assistance will be crucial to the

police,” said the man leading the inquiry team, Detective Chief inspector R. N. Macdonald. Detectives went back to the Kicks nightclub last evening, with prepared questionnaires for patrons. They were hoping to speak to about 300 people, many who might have been at the nightclub at the some times as Miss Blunden last Friday.

Mr Macdonald believes these people could still hold clues to the identity of her attacker.

A team of eight Otahuhubased policemen yesterday made a two-hour search through a grass area beside the new Pakuranga Bridge in

[Waipuna Road for a handbag seen thrown: from a car. A woman told Takapuna police she saw a dark-col-oured bag thrown from the passenger side of a Mini about 1.30 p.m. last Saturday. Miss Blunden’s black handbag, containing cosmetics, cigarettes, driver’s licence and other personal items, plus her shoes, were taken from her after she was beaten unconscious in Anzac Street.' The search team yesterday scoured the area looking for these items, but without any luck.

‘Miss Blunden was still in a serious condition in Auckland Hospital last evening.