December 5, 2018 9.38 am This story is over 63 months old

Lincoln graduate backpacker disappears in New Zealand

She reportedly failed to return to her hostel
Family and friends were faced with radio silence since December 1.

The family and friends of a former University of Lincoln student are sending a desperate plea around the globe after she failed to return to her hostel in New Zealand.

Grace Millane, 22, former vice captain of the University of Lincoln Hockey Club and Advertising and Marketing graduate, was last heard from six days ago.

Her brother Michael posted an appeal on Facebook which has been shared more than 12,000 times: “She has not returned to her hostel room in Auckland New Zealand and family members have had no contact since Saturday, December 1.

“The Embassy have bee contacted. Please share and contact if you have any information regarding her whereabouts – +447939983681.”

She stopped responding to messages on Saturday

Friend and fellow University of Lincoln student Samantha Ramsy told The Lincolnite: “She is one of my closest friends. She always wanted to go travelling and left a couple of months ago. She has been in New Zealand for a couple of weeks.

“I last spoke to her on November 29. She was having fun and her messages have all been positive. We’re desperate to spread the word and find her.”

Photo: Facebook

Grace, originally from Essex, has had regular contact with her family. Alarm bells rang when she stopped responding to birthday well-wishes on Saturday.

She had reportedly been staying at Base Backpackers on Queen Street in the heart of Auckland.

Tony McLeod, British High Commission Wellington consular manager, said the commission was aware of the missing person report.

“We are working with the family in the UK and New Zealand Police in relation to reports of a missing British national in New Zealand.

“We are unable to make further comment while police are investigating the matter.”