Carmen police finish searching homes

Emergency services searching for clues. Photo / Doug Sherring

Forensic experts have left the homes of two men linked to the Carmen Thomas murder inquiry.

The police tape was lifted at the Remuera home of structural engineer Brad Callaghan at the weekend, days after he was charged with murdering the mother of his son Jack, 5.

It is understood Callaghan's pregnant fiancee, Tanith Butler, was due to give birth about the time of his arrest.

Yesterday, one neighbour said the couple were "lovely", and supported them wholeheartedly.

Police have also left the Howick home of an associate of Callaghan's, but he did not appear to have returned there by yesterday afternoon.

Among items being examined by Environmental Science and Research (ESR) forensic scientists is a boat, believed to have been seized from his two-storey house.

Police have also stopped searching the Victoria St construction site where Callaghan worked for Manson TCLM, after pulling up odd-shaped pieces of concrete over the weekend and a bag of clothes last week.

Inquiry head Detective Inspector Mark Benefield said all seized items were logged and "assessed as being of possible merit".

"[They were then] submitted to the ESR for examination to further determine whether they are of significance or assistance to the investigation."

Mr Benefield did not rule out further arrests, but refused to comment on potential people of interest.

Callaghan is in custody and due to reappear in the Auckland District Court on October 12.

It is understood detectives have spoken about the inquiry to Ms Butler, who worked at Auckland City events centre The Edge until going on maternity leave some weeks ago.

Mr Benefield said Callaghan was the only person in custody in relation to the "disappearance, death and disposal" of 32-year-old Ms Thomas.

He said the main police aim was to find Ms Thomas, return her body to her family and support the crime's victims.

"And to successfully prosecute whoever killed and disposed of her," the detective inspector added.

While it might be frustrating that particular "twists and turns" of the inquiry could not be reported "in real time", police had to keep the big picture in mind, Mr Benefield said.

Meanwhile, friends and family of Ms Thomas are desperate for Jack's wellbeing.

Expressing their frustration on Facebook, most believed Ms Thomas' mother, Teresa Scott, should be granted custody and the youngster moved to South Africa.