Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Police have found a cellphone belonging to missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao, and say they are becoming increasingly concerned about her disappearance.
Watch the latest update from police here:
Bao, who works at Harcourts Wigram, was last seen on Wednesday in the Wigram area at about 10.30am. She was reported missing by her husband on Wednesday evening.
In an update this afternoon, Canterbury Investigations Inspector Nicola Reeves said Bao remains missing.
She said police had searched a number of areas and located one of Bao's cellphones in grass on the side of the Southern Motorway in Christchurch.
Reeves said police have found "other items" while searching for Bao, but were unsure of their relevance to the case and would not give further details.
"We're not at the point of discussing whether we have subjects or persons of interest because we very much want the focus on Ms Bao."
Reeves said Bao was "last seen conducting her business as a real estate agent" on Wednesday and concerns were first raised when she failed to pick up her daughter from school.
"Anyone with any piece of information, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact police immediately."
Missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao Photo: RNZ / NZ Police
Police have been conducting door to door enquiries in the area Bao was last seen.
"If you live in this area and have not spoken with police but have access to CCTV footage of the street area, police would like to hear from you.
"Police and Ms Bao's family are deeply concerned for her safety. This is very out of character and her loved ones are desperate to hear from her.
"We are still dealing with a missing persons investigation," Reeves said. "The fact that she no longer has her cellphone is of great concern for us."
Bao was knocking on doors on Wednesday morning, offering evaluations if people wanted to sell their houses, and she was last seen by residents at one of those houses.
"We have identified that she has been to quite a number of houses," Reeves said.
Forty officers are involved in the search for Bao.
Asked how the family is doing, Reeves said: "It's pretty harrowing for them. They want some answers, they are desperate to have Ms Bao home."
Bao's husband Paul Gooch posted a statement on Facebook, saying he and his daughter were "incredibly worried."
"Your support and vigilance mean the world to us, and we are praying for Yanfei's safe return."
Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Family, friends and police are supporting Bao's husband and daughter.
"Her family are very perplexed by her missing, it's very out of character.
"They are very alarmed, this is incredibly out of character and they do not know why she is missing."
Police have asked anyone with information on Bao's whereabouts to call 111 immediately and quote event number P055385539.
