Murder charge laid

Police have laid a murder charge in relation to the disappearance of teenager Hayden Miles.

A 27-year-old male has been charged with the teenager's murder. An 18-year-old female has been charged with being an accessory after the fact.

A 35-year-old male has also been charged with robbery in relation to an incident on 22 August, the day Hayden Miles was last seen.

All three will appear in court today on the charges.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Hill said police are searching for Hayden's body and are currently conducting a scene examination at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Linwood.

"The arrests and charges today have come about as a result of people who have come forward and from information gathered during the enquiry.

"The Operation Miles investigation team has worked relentlessly over recent weeks to progress the enquiry to the point where we have made these arrests.

"Hayden's family have been kept fully up to date with today's developments in the case. They have requested privacy at this time," he said.