Karl Hutchings accused of murder in the case of a missing Christchurch woman Julie Buckley is due in court this morning

The man accused of murder in the case of a missing Christchurch woman is due in court this morning.

Karl Hutchings, 47, of The Hill, Christchurch is due to appear at Huntingdon Law Courts for a preliminary hearing.

A 45-year-old man from March who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of aiding an offender has now been released on police bail.

A 49-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman from Christchurch who were also arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender were released on bail yesterday.

Meanwhile, detectives investigating the disappearance of Julie Buckley, 54, are continuing their investigations and have appealed for dashcam footage.

The arrests come after the disappearance of Julie, who has not been seen since January 28 when she was caught on CCTV at Budgens in March.

Police are investigating a report of suspicious activity at Bedlam Bridge and are appealing to drivers who may have driven along the Bedlam Bridge, Sixteen Foot Bank, March, on the evening of January 30, between 8pm and 9pm, or close to those times, to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “We are really keen to hear from anyone, particularly drivers with dashcams, who may have driven along that stretch of road or in that general area during those times.

“We’re keen to speak with them and get hold of any footage they have, which might assist us with our search.

“This is a fast-paced investigation, and we are doing all we can to find out what has happened to Julie.”

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency, by calling 101 and quoting Op Dragonfish or asking to speak with DI McCann.