Statement from Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City Police:
The investigation into the disappearance of Grace Millane has developed this evening.
Just after 3pm this afternoon, a 26 year-old man was located at a central Auckland address by Police.
He was brought back here to the Auckland central Police station and is currently speaking to us in relation to the murder of Grace Millane.
Sadly, the evidence we have gathered to this point of the enquiry has established that this is a homicide.
Grace’s family have been advised of this development and they are devastated.
The man is still being spoken to at this point.
Obviously this means that we are treating Grace’s disappearance as a homicide investigation.
We still do not know where Grace is. We are determined to find her and return her to her family.
Today we have identified and secured a vehicle of interest and we are now making enquiries to find out exactly where that vehicle has been.
Earlier today we released images of Grace’s watch and necklace. Her passport is also missing.
I know that the thoughts of all New Zealanders will be with Grace’s family tonight and I want to reassure everyone both here and abroad, that NZ Police are determined to do everything we can to find Grace.
Anyone with information is asked to call our 0800 number, 0800 676 255.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre