CCTV footage clue in Carmen inquiry

Chelsey Ritson, niece of Carmen Thomas. Photo / Doug Sherring

The sister of murdered mum Carmen Thomas has broken her silence as new information emerges about the police inquiry.

The Herald on Sunday has learned that CCTV footage is taking a leading role in the inquiry and that officers have images showing two men they believe are of interest to their investigation.

Officers have also revealed they are scouring footage for new sightings of Carmen who was last reported seen on June 27 at the Greenlane Countdown supermarket. She was reported missing on July 13.

Police believe Carmen - who worked as an escort at a Pakuranga gentlemen's club - has been murdered.

A witness interviewed by detectives has told the Herald on Sunday he was questioned by police over a possible sighting of Carmen on Victoria St in central Auckland.

The Herald on Sunday has also learned that police have spoken to a person who reported seeing a man leaving Carmen's Remuera flat on Ngapuhi Rd.

A police spokeswoman said last night that there had been an "unconfirmed sighting of Carmen after June 27" on Victoria St in central Auckland.

She said a "vast amount" of CCTV footage had been sourced from Auckland and Hamilton.

The spokeswoman said all residents on Ngapuhi Rd had been spoken to and had been given an "assurance of confidentiality".

It comes as Carmen's sister has spoken of how she found her sibling after years apart and the pain of losing her again.

Colleen Ritson Poole says she and Carmen drifted apart as the family moved around the world, then discovered each other by chance over Facebook when they were both in New Zealand.

It is the first time a member of Carmen's family has granted an interview to speak of the 32-year-old who is the focus of an intensive police inquiry.

Ritson Poole - Carmen's older stepsister - and her daughters Lara, 21, and Chelsey, 15, remembered Carmen as a bubbly woman who "loved life" and had a contagious laugh.

Carmen was born in South Africa and moved to the UK when she was about 16.

When she was about 23 she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and went through chemotherapy before completing a masters degree in marketing.

Ritson Poole said the sisters had drifted apart after the death of her father Neville Thomas, who adopted Carmen after marrying her mother, Theresa Scott.

"We had been estranged. But we discovered each other on Facebook and realised we were both in Auckland. It was the first time I had seen her since she was 18," Ritson Poole said.

Carmen and Jack, then 3, moved in with Ritson Poole for about eight months in 2008.

"She was very bubbly, very friendly. She'd talk to anyone, she wasn't scared of anyone," Ritson Poole said.

"Carmen loved socialising with her friends. Her favourite bar was Danny Doolans in the Viaduct. She also loved rugby, and the All Blacks."

Ritson Poole described Carmen as a "totally devoted mum" to Jack, now 5.

"She was dedicated 100 per cent to Jack. She was always looking for ways to be a better mum. Carmen loved him more than anything."

Can you help?
Call 0800 KEPPEL (0800-537-735), email whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.