The crucial item police are looking for in backpacker murder inquiry
Police are looking for a crucial item which could help investigations into English backpacker Grace Millane’s alleged murder.
The 22-year-old university graduate arrived in New Zealand on November 20 as part of a year-long holiday. Authorities found her body in bush on the western outskirts of Auckland on Sunday after she was last seen on December 1.
Police are now looking for a shovel which they believe could be related to their inquiries.
They have released an image of a red Atlas Trade hardwood long handle, round mouth shovel which is similar to the one they are looking for.
Police would like to hear from anyone who found the shovel any time after Monday December 3.
“At this point we don’t know where this item is,” Detective Inspector Scott Beard from the Auckland City Police said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It could be anywhere between the Scenic Drive and central Auckland areas.
“Someone may have come across it, picked it up and taken it home.
“We need to speak to that person or anyone who has seen it.”
Grace Millane’s body found intact
“I am are aware that there is a great deal of public speculation about what happened to Grace,” Detective Inspector Beard said.
“It is with great reluctance that I will only confirm the following, and say that Grace’s body was intact when it was recovered.”
A 26-year-old man appeared in an Auckland court on Monday after he was charged with the murder of Ms Millane.
