No evidence yet of foul play in disappearance
AUCKLAND: The policeman heading inquiries into the disappearance of British tourist Grace Millane says there is no evidence of foul play at this stage.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said police were dealing with the UK family of Ms Millane, who went missing a day before her 22nd birthday.
Police yesterday released a photograph showing the last known sighting of Ms Millane. Taken from CCTV security footage, it shows the young woman dressed in a black dress and white shoes, with her brown hair down.
The image was captured on Saturday night, about 7.15pm, in downtown Auckland near SkyCity, police said. It is the last time anyone has seen Ms Millane.
Police were speaking to people at the backpackers where Ms Millane was staying — including those she was with on Saturday night.
He would not confirm what was left at her room in the backpackers, but said her belongings remained there.
Ms Millane, who has been in New Zealand for about two weeks, has travelled to the Bay of Islands since arriving. She was due to leave New Zealand in about two weeks, police said. More than 20 police staff are on the case, he said.
Police would not comment on her bank account or cellphone activity.
‘‘The longer this goes on, the more worrying it is. At this stage we’re hopeful we will find Grace.’’ Det Insp Beard said they were still trying to get in touch with a number of people she had been with on Saturday night.
Ms Millane’s father, millionaire property developer David Millane, is due to arrive in Auckland today. Det Insp Beard said having him here would allow officers to get to know more about Grace Millane’s background.
Ms Millane’s brother, Michael, posted on social media that the family had been calling his sister’s cellphone, but that it was going straight to voicemail.
‘‘She spoke to someone in the family every day on WhatsApp, Facebook or FaceTime. The contact with us stopped on Thursday.
‘‘The last contact she had was with her roommate on Saturday morning.
‘‘Her disappearance was completely out of the blue.’’