Advertisement

Shovel linked to murder of British backpacker Grace Millane found by New Zealand police

<em>Police have found a shovel they were searching for in connection with Grace Millane’s murder (Picture: PA)</em>
Police have found a shovel they were searching for in connection with Grace Millane’s murder (Picture: PA)

Police investigating the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane have found a shovel they were searching for in connection to her death.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard previously said detectives were looking for a long-handle shovel in connection with the investigation into Grace’s Killing.

Grace, 22, went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1, just weeks after arriving in New Zealand.

Her body was found on Sunday and a 26-year-old man has been charged with her murder.

<em>Detective Inspector Scott Beard had previously said police were looking for the shovel in connection with Grace’s death (Picture: Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP)</em>
Detective Inspector Scott Beard had previously said police were looking for the shovel in connection with Grace’s death (Picture: Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP)

Police have now reportedly found the red Atlas Trade shovel after what has been described as an intensive examination of CCTV footage.

The tool was found in the central west Auckland area on Thursday.

MORE: ‘Believe in yourself’: Actor and dancer is first person with Down’s Syndrome to get honorary university degree
MORE: America to use new assault rifle which hits targets ‘like a battle tank’

Grace’s family are currently in the process of organising to take her body home.

In a tribute, they said their “whole world turned upside down” after her disappearance.

They said: “We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE (overseas experience).”

The family paid tribute to police for their “concise, stringent and thorough investigation” and added: “We would like to thank the people of New Zealand for their outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion.

“Grace was not born here and only managed to stay a few weeks, but you have taken her to your hearts and in some small way she will forever be a Kiwi.”