Hair found in water may belong to missing Christchurch woman
Police are renewing their appeal for information, about the disappearance Julie Buckley, 54
Last updated 12th Mar 2025
Detectives investigating the disappearance of a 54-year-old woman from Christchurch have renewed their appeal for information, urging the public to come forward with any relevant details.
Police last month confirmed they were treating Julie Buckley’s disappearance as a murder investigation. Today (12 March), Detective Inspector Rich Stott is issuing a fresh appeal for information.
Julie was last seen on 28 January, captured on CCTV at Budgens supermarket in March. DI Stott said: “We strongly believe Julie may have come to harm and we’re carrying out thorough searches of the area.
“Our dive teams have been searching the water around the Bedlam Bridge and Boots Bridge areas and a fisherman discovered what we believe to be human hair in the water. We’re awaiting results from that hair to ascertain if it belongs to Julie.
“In the meantime, we’re issuing a widespread appeal today to ask for anyone with information to please come forward, as well as anyone with dashcam footage from the March and Christchurch areas, particularly around Bedlam Bridge and Boots Bridge, on 29 and 30 January.
“We’re also appealing to dog walkers, fishermen, farmers and landowners in the area. If you notice disturbed land or anything unusual or out of place, please report it to us.”
Karl Hutchings, 47, of Christchurch, has been charged with murder. Several others have been arrested in connection with Julie's disappearance.
Police have asked anyone with information to call 101, quoting Op Dragonfish, or request to speak with DI Rich Stott.