Island murder police arrest boy

Ms Aim's body is due to be flown back to the UK

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested by New Zealand police investigating the killing of Orkney backpacker Karen Aim.

However, officers in Taupo insisted they were making no connection with her death at this stage.

The youngster was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated robbery.

Police who are probing the death of the 26-year-old Scot said the boy was charged in relation to an assault on a woman on 5 January.

Detectives have been examining other crimes which have occurred in recent months and the attack on the woman at the beginning of January was said to be one of the most serious in Taupo.

'Ghastly attack'

In a bid to stop rumours circulating around the local community, police took the unusual step of holding a news conference to stress they were not making a connection between the boy's arrest and Ms Aim's death.

Officers found Ms Aim lying on the ground after they were called to check a report of damage to a nearby college at just after 0200 local time.

She was taken to Taupo Hospital, where she died.

The investigation into her murder, named Operation Waikato, is concentrating on speaking to everyone who was in the area overnight on 16 and 17 January.

A team of 50 police officers are probing what they have termed a "ghastly" attack on Ms Aim, who had earlier been enjoying a night out with friends.

Ms Aim's body is expected to be flown back to the UK at the end of the week.