A SHOVEL has been found in New Zealand in connection with the murder investigation into Grace Millane's death.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard of Auckland City Police said the shovel was recovered by officers earlier this morning, after rifling through CCTV footage.

Ms Millane, 22, from Wickford, departed on a backpacking adventure around the world earlier this year after graduating from university in September.

She went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1, just hours before her 22nd birthday.

Her body was discovered a week later, and police have launched a murder investigation.

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

"The item was recovered by detectives as a result of the continued examination of CCTV.

"Police would like to thank members of the public who called the 0800 number with sightings of similar items."

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder and remanded into custody.

No pleas have been entered.