Homicide and search operation underway in Tauranga

Tauranga Police are urgently seeking the whereabouts of an 18 month old girl, Anna Sangha, from the suburb of Otumoetai, Tauranga. A photo of Anna Sangha is attached.

A large team of Police will today be searching neighbouring properties and the area surrounding and including Carlton Reserve, Tauranga Intermediate and High Schools, and the salt marsh in Matua, looking for the 18 month old girl.

Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says he is asking all residents of the area to search their sections for any sign of Anna Sangha.

"We also can't rule out the possibility that Anna may be being looked after by friends or relatives, and if so, we ask them to contact us urgently. If anybody is aware of Anna's whereabouts in the wider Tauranga/Bay of Plenty area, please contact Tauranga Police urgently on 07 577 4300."

Inspector Clement says Tauranga Police have also launched a homicide investigation after the discovery of a body in a house in Otumoetai yesterday evening .

The deceased is a 32 year old female of Indian descent. She is believed to be the mother of the missing girl. The full name of the deceased will not be released until family overseas have been notified.

Police in Auckland are speaking with an Indian male in connection with the investigation.

Police have no further information at this stage. A further media update will be provided between 12noon and 1pm this afternoon.