KEY POINTS:
A man who was helping London police investigating the murder of New Zealander Cathy Marlow has been released without being charged.
Detective Chief Inspector Damian Allain said this morning the man had been released, but he could not comment further about the 28-year-old.
Police are appealing for information
about a handbag Ms Marlow had with her the night she died. The handbag is made of brown leather with a distinctive flap.
Mr Allain said police were doing everything possible to "find out what happened in this sad case".
"I can say we've got some very viable lines of inquiry," he said.
Forensic experts were examining the murder scene and companies which worked in the complex where Ms Marlow's body had been found had relocated to other premises in the meantime.
"I am very confident and buoyant that we will achieve some success with this case," Mr Allain said.
A police source said the arrested man arrived at the offices with "a small group of friends, including the victim's best friend" just after 9pm on Saturday.
"He told his friends to wait outside. He went upstairs and called the police telling them he had found the woman's body at around 9.30pm," the source told British news website Metro.
Yesterday police revealed that Ms Marlow, who comes from Hakwes Bay and was living and working in South London, died of asphyxiation after she was savagely beaten.
Ms Marlow, 28, was found dead in her office showers on Saturday night.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said a post-mortem examination had been completed and Ms Marlow died of asphyxiation, suggesting that the killer made a final, fatal attack after she was first set upon.
The spokesman would not comment on media reports, citing police sources, that Ms Marlow was found fully clothed and lying in a pool of blood on the shower floor.
The violent attack reportedly left her unrecognisable. There have also been reports that she was stabbed, though police have not commented on any weapons involved.
The man arrested and now released alerted police when he found her body, and was arrested after blood was reportedly found on his clothing.
Police have not commented on how the killer accessed the building - which was closed at the weekend - or whether there were any signs of a break-in.
Police are said to be keeping an open mind as to who was responsible, amid reports that the killer is a former colleague of Ms Marlow.
The Marlow family told the Herald it was a difficult time and asked for space as the family tried to piece together what happened.
They are still waiting for family members - and Ms Marlow's body - to come home to Hastings.
It is understood they want to release a statement today, once they have more information about Ms Marlow's death.
Flatmates at Ms Marlow's South London residence - a five-bedroom house - were too upset to talk to reporters yesterday.
Meanwhile tributes continued to flow for Ms Marlow.
On the website for British newspaper the Sun, one person wrote: "I was friends with Cathy at high school. She was a beautiful person and I can't believe this has happened to her. It's shocking, senseless and make me so angry."
Another wrote: "Cathy was my best friend at Naenae Intermediate before she moved to the Hawkes Bay and I'm absolutely distraught and devastated that this could happen.
"I hope that all those who knew what an amazing person she is are rallying around and supporting each other in this dark time. Rest in peace my friend ... I love you."
- additional reporting NZPA
