To be attributed to Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City Police:
Police investigating the murder of English tourist Grace Millane have identified a location of interest.
A full scene examination is underway in a bush area on Scenic Drive.
This is a methodical and slow process and is expected to take all day.
At this stage we are not able to confirm whether Grace has been located at this site.
This is a busy stretch of road and there no ability to park nearby at the moment.
A full road closure of Scenic Drive, between the intersection of Mountain Road/Scenic Drive and the Waitakere Reservoir Carpark, will be in place from 3pm until 7pm tonight.
Residents will be given access during this time.
Media there will be provision for you to enter the cordon within this time. Details are below.
ENDS
MEDIA:
Detective Inspector Scott Beard will update media on the investigation at the cordon at 4.30pm.
Please meet at the Waitakere Dam carpark on Scenic Drive at 3.30pm.
You will be escorted up the road into the cordoned area by Jarred Williamson from the Police Media team.
No media will be given entry from the road closure at the intersection of Mountain Road/Scenic Drive. Please ensure you are at the Swanson road end of Scenic Drive.
One vehicle per media outlet can be escorted into the closed road section.
Within the road closure and near to the scene examination, there will be a taped-off section and media will be able to film and go live from this location.
The road will be reopened at 7pm and all vehicles will need to be packed up and out of this area by then.
DI Beard will do his stand-up interview from the taped off section at 4.30pm.