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Aisling Symes - Source: ONE News -
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Police have located the Asian woman they were seeking after toddler Aisling Symes went missing.
Inspector Gary Davey says they located and spoke to the woman at length on Tuesday night and are satisfied she is unable to help them in any way.
Davey said on Tuesday that they had identified her through profiling.
"We've talked with her overnight and are satisfied she's unable to help us further," he says.
"I'm unable to provide specific comment on the woman's
discussions with us but she is no longer part of our inquiries
relating to Aisling's disappearance."
Aisling's body was
found on Monday night in a drain in Longburn
Road, a week after she went missing.
Her death will be referred to the Auckland coroner but it is believed she drowned after getting into the drain through an access pipe.
Police are satisfied it is simply a tragic accident.
Last week as they searched without finding any sign of her, police said it was highly likely Aisling had been kidnapped and the Asian woman was crucial to their inquiry.
Police spokeswoman Kaye Calder would not say why the woman did not approach them after the search began, or when it was highlighted in the news media that police were looking for her.
Police acknowledged their search for the Asian woman caused some concern in the community "but it was a necessary part of trying to find Aisling".
Inspector Davey says a police team of about 30 staff are now completing background inquiries, scene reports and working on file preparation as part of the coronial process.
Police are also continuing to have close liaison with Aisling's family and offer whatever support is needed.
He is thanking all members of the public who helped in the search and who have delivered messages, beautiful cards prepared by children, flowers and other tributes.
