Police investigating the death of a woman in the Bay of Plenty are appealing for information from the public.

The woman was found dead at a Kawerau property on Sunday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lou Curragh said today that the investigation team was working hard to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and wanted to hear from anyone who had seen anything unusual.

Police launched a homicide investigation after finding the woman’s body while making inquiries after a crash involving a car and train at a private level crossing on Te Puke Highway in Paengaroa shortly after 9am on Sunday.

The car’s sole occupant was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in or around Valley Rd, Kawerau, or anybody who saw any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the area between 8pm on Saturday, October 24, and 7am on October 25,“ Curragh said.

“This is a fairly quiet area and anybody with information on any movements of people or vehicles is of value to us.

“Even if you thought nothing of it at the time, the information could be crucial to our investigation. Each piece of information helps our investigators build a picture of events.”

Police are also interested in sightings of a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, registration EQB394, around Kawerau, Matatā and Te Puke between 6.30am and 9.15am on Sunday.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 261025/1492.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.