Man to be charged with the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand

New Zealand police have said a 26-year-old man is to be charged with the murder of British backpacker, Grace Millane.

Ms Millane, 22, has not been seen since December 1. According to police, she was last seen entering the Citylife Hotel at 9.41pm that evening. Police now believe that she was murdered, although her body has not been found. Det Insp Scott Beard said that the evidence gathered so far led police to now treat Grace's disappearance as a homicide investigation. He added:

"Grace's family have been advised of this development and they are devastated."

He said that they are "determined to find [Grace] and return her to her family", before continuing:

"I know that the thoughts of all New Zealanders will be with Grace’s family tonight and I want to reassure everyone both here and abroad, that NZ Police are determined to do everything we can to find Grace."

On Saturday, officers said that the 26-year-old man - who had been speaking to them in relation to Grace's disappearance - is to be charged with her murder. He will remain in Police custody until Monday morning when he will appear in the Auckland District Court. Ms Millane, who was described as "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, and family-orientated" by her father, David, had graduated from the University of Lincoln in September. She had been travelling alone in New Zealand for two weeks, after a six-week trip through South America.