Police are pleading for help from the public after identifying a person of interest in the investigation into the death of an Auckland woman.
A homicide investigation was launched on Thursday afternoon following the discovery of what's believed to the body of Lena Zhang earlier this week.
The body was found in a patch of bush off a walkway between Grande Ave and Summit Dr in the central Auckland suburb of Mt Albert on Wednesday afternoon.
While formal identification is yet to be completed, police say they believe the body belongs to the 27-year-old, also known as Lena Zhang Harrap.
At a press conference from the Mt Roskill Police Station at 4:30pm on Thursday, Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe provided further details about the case.
He urged any member of the public who saw Zhang out on her regular walk to Ōwairaka Domain between 6:30am and 7:30am to come forward.
Police say she is 130cm-tall, has Down's syndrome and was walking at a slow pace. She was wearing a long-sleeved purple top and long, dark-coloured pants.
They have also released an image of someone they say is a person of interest in the case.
"This male, who is seen wearing a blue jumper, was captured on CCTV walking along Grande Ave shortly after 7:30am," said Det Insp Pascoe.
He is described as dark-skinned, balding hair, a distinctive mark on his forehead and was wearing a mask."
Police are appealing to anyone who saw Zhang or the man seen on CCTV cameras to contact the investigation team.
"We also want to hear from any residents who live along any of the above streets, including Summit Dr, who have CCTV cameras that may have captured Lena or this male in a blue jumper walking past their property."
Anyone with CCTV is urged to contact the Operation Daleyza investigation team by phoning 0800 325 399 (0800 DALEYZA).
Det Insp says he know the news about the homicide investigation will be distressing to the local community, but reassures them the police have a large team on the case.
"The local public will see an increased police presence in the Mt Albert area, and we will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols and area enquiries as we speak to local residents," he said.
The walkway between Grande Ave and Summit Dr remains closed.
