Backpacker murder police find a shovel

Detectives investigating the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand have found a missing shovel they believe is linked to her death.

Auckland City Police said they were searching for the spade in connection with the murder of the 22-year-old from Essex, who was last seen on the eve of her birthday.

The force said it had discovered the spade in the central west Auckland area after going through CCTV footage.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said: “A shovel that was the subject of a police appeal in relation to the Grace Millane investigation has been located.”

A 26-year-old man, who cannot be named, has been charged with murder and appeared in an Auckland court on Monday.