Significant announcement coming in Carmen case

Carmen Thomas. Photo / Supplied

Police searching for the body of murdered Auckland woman Carmen Thomas are making a significant announcement about the case this evening.

An unscheduled media briefing is being held at Auckland Central police station at 7.30pm, where the officer in charge of the case, Detective Inspector Mark Benefield, will make an announcement.

Ms Thomas' former partner Brad Callaghan, 32, was last week charged with her murder after a 10-week investigation.

Police have been searching a central Auckland construction site where Callaghan worked as well as the house of an associate of Callaghan's in East Auckland.

It is understood that a police line of inquiry is that Callaghan and his friend planned to take the remains of Ms Thomas out to sea. But the trip was aborted.

It is believed there was a further failed attempt to dispose of the body parts in the Hunua Ranges, south of Auckland.

It is increasingly believed Ms Thomas is hidden in the Waitakere Ranges, possibly in concrete.

- NZ Herald staff