Missing woman’s father appeals for info
AUCKLAND: Missing British backpacker Grace Millane was last seen with a man, who has since been questioned, police say.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard and Miss Millane’s distraught father, David Millane, spoke to media yesterday afternoon.
Det Insp Beard said police held grave fears for the 22yearold tourist’s safety, and the investigation was progressing rapidly.
The last known sighting of Miss Millane was at 9.41pm on Saturday at the City Life Hotel. She was with a man.
Police had identified the man and he had been spoken to.
An apartment at the hotel was a place of interest and is the subject of a scene examination by police.
Det Insp Beard appealed for anyone who was at the City Life Hotel who could provide information.
‘‘At present we have spoken to a person and we still have no evidence of foul play.’’
Mr Millane, fighting back tears, struggled to speak as he described his ‘‘lovely, outgoing, funloving, familyoriented daughter’’.
‘‘Grace has never been out of contact for this long. She’s usually in daily contact with her mother, myself, her two brothers . . . and on social media.’’
He appealed for people with information to contact the police. No detail was too small, Mr Millane said.
He was last in contact with his daughter on Saturday.
More than 25 police staff are working on the investigation after the young woman from Essex disappeared in Auckland after Saturday night.
Det Insp Beard would not be drawn on whether Ms Millane knew the man before their meeting at the City Life Hotel.
Police would continue to go through CCTV footage over the weekend, he said. — NZME