4.00pm
The search for a South Auckland woman missing for 17 days took a sinister turn today when her abandoned car was found some distance from her home.
Police are growing increasingly worried for the safety of 49-year-old Thai-born New Zealander Darunee Aphiromlerk who disappeared after she had lunch with friends on October 3.
She was reported missing by her boyfriend on October 14.
Ms Aphiromlerk, a property developer, was supposed to pick him up at Auckland International Airport on his return from a trip to the United States.
Her car was also missing but today it was found abandoned in the Auckland suburb of Epsom possibly after being dumped there over the weekend. A Herald reader contacted police after reading about the case.
Police say while finding the car gave the 20-strong inquiry team a huge boost, it also increased fears she had met foul play.
"It has given the inquiry a whole new avenue of inquiry," said Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Lendrum from the Counties Manukau police.
"It adds to our concern. We are unaware of any associates of hers who live in that area."
He said it was unlikely the missing woman, who is from Manurewa, would have dumped the 1996 BMW and its discovery increased fears she had been the subject of foul play.
"We have got real concerns for her well-being."
The car was taken away by police for forensic examination but Mr Lendrum said there was no obvious signs of violence.
Ms Aphiromlerk is originally from Thailand but has been living in New Zealand for several years and was running her own property business.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have seen the navy blue BMW, registration UU7543, to call the police hotline 09 268 5828.
The inquiry team was increased to about 20 today.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
ANZAC Day service in Auckland
Auckland War Memorial dawn service, Hobsonville civil service and the Devonport parade. How Aucklanders remembered the ANZACS. Photos / Hayden Woodward, Dean Purcell and Alex Burton