Two children returned as police hunt for woman in Bay of Plenty

Police have appealed for sightings of a late-model white Mercedes-Benz SUV across the western Bay of Plenty as they hunt for Lisa Tracey Mills and a six-year-old girl. Photo: NZ Police

Two six-year-old girls who were missing with a Bay of Plenty woman have been safely returned.

But police would still like to speak to Lisa Tracey Mills and were continuing to try and locate her.

They are appealing for sightings of a late-model white Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Mills, 47, went missing with the two girls yesterday. One was returned to her home earlier today and the second has just recently been recovered.

''At this stage we have no idea where she is. We are relying on our community to possibly spot them," said detective senior sergeant Greg Turner of Mills.

Mr Turner said police were interested in any sightings of the SUV with a registration plate FQS965.

''We are talking with family, friends, and members of the community to try to locate her and try to encourage Mrs Mills to present herself to the police station."

Police are keeping tight-lipped over the relationship between the woman and the children.

People who knew the whereabouts of Mills were asked to contact Tauranga Police Station on 07 577 4300 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.