The town of Kerikeri is grieving and on edge, as police investigate the murder of teenager Liberty Templeman.
 
Residents are concerned her killer is still on the loose, and her former school mates are devastated at what appears to be a random, callous and senseless murder.

Police are back searching the overgrown orchard where the 15-year-old's body was dumped and canvassing the streets she walked on Saturday night.

Messages on Liberty's social networking Bebo page are flowing in from people who knew her well, and from people who had never met her.

At the local radio station, the host says people want to talk about it.

"Everyone, people who didn't know her are reeling over it and are just shocked," says Lana Searle, More FM announcer.

It is the same feeling at the local newspaper.

"Absolutely shattered, it's not the kind of thing that you ever would believe could happen in Kerikeri, a small little rural town, a trusting town, and close knit...we're just shocked," says Keri Malloy, of The Bay Chronicle.

A post mortem examination confirmed on Tuesday that Liberty's death was not accidental.

Police are not saying how she died or releasing any other details from the autopsy.

They are still appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the red-haired school girl near Inlet Road, Cobham or Hone Heke Roads in Kerikeri on Saturday afternoon or evening.

Police Commander Chris Scahill says the teenager knew a lot of people in the town and he is appealing for any information that might help the inquiry.

A 0800 number (0800 COBHAM or 0800 262 426) has been set up for people to report sightings of Templeman.