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Yanfei Bao: Police find remains in search for missing Christchurch estate agent

Police said the remains could not immediately be formally identified but work was underway to excavate and forensically examine them.

“This news has been shared with Yanfei’s immediate family and, although long expected, it still comes as a surprise,” Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said.

Police are searching farmland in Greenpark, outside Christchurch, after receiving new information about missing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / Emily Ansell
Police are searching farmland in Greenpark, outside Christchurch, after receiving new information about missing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / Emily Ansell

“The area had already been explored previously and new information led us back here to look for specific places of interest.

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“For operational reasons, we cannot share the information that led us to search for this location.”

An investigation of the scene is currently underway and police will be visible in the area for some time, the spokesman said.

The search, which involved more than 60 people, focused on a field near the intersection of Hudsons and Clarks Rds.

As heavy rain fell, officers scoured a grove of trees after receiving new information. None of the local property owners were answering their doors today as the police operation was ongoing. Around midday, some police officers, having found the remains they were looking for, gathered their things and left the scene.

Remains have been found during the search for Yanfei Bao. Photo / Provided
Remains have been found during the search for Yanfei Bao. Photo / Provided

Police investigators were working to set an October trial date for a 53-year-old man charged with murder in connection with the death.

Police are expected to update the media later this afternoon.

Bao was last seen alive arriving at a property for sale on Hornby’s Trevor St where she was preparing to show the house to a potential buyer.

She was reported missing later that day after failing to pick up her 9-year-old daughter from school.

A week later, the search was upgraded to a homicide investigation and an arrest was made on August 15.

Police are searching farmland in Greenpark, outside Christchurch, after receiving new information about missing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / Emily Ansell
Police are searching farmland in Greenpark, outside Christchurch, after receiving new information about missing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / Emily Ansell

Marking the first anniversary of his partner’s disappearance earlier this month, Paul Gooch said in a statement to police that he had been longing for Bao to be found.

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“This would bring us some measure of comfort and peace, allowing us to say goodbye for the last time and begin the healing process.

“Our hearts ache as we remember Yanfei’s vibrant and radiant spirit. She will be remembered most as a larger-than-life personality, who embodied unwavering diligence, hard work and an infectious sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around her.

“It has been an incredible challenge for our entire family to cope with the devastating loss of Yanfei; it has changed our lives irreparably.”

Gooch said Bao’s daughter had shown “incredible resilience”.

“Her family, friends and local school have rallied around her, providing lots of love and support to help her maintain a sense of normality and stability in her life.

“It is truly inspiring to see her ability to find reasons to smile and be herself in the midst of so much adversity, a testament to her extraordinary strength and courage. Her mother would no doubt be deeply proud of her.”

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Gooch said his partner’s “magnetic confidence and warm charisma” drew people to her.

“She took great pleasure in sharing her captivating stories and wealth of knowledge, generously welcoming guests into her home with love, grace, and delicious cuisine.

“His positive influence reached far and wide, touching the lives of his family, friends and colleagues, and he demonstrated a remarkable devotion to those he loved. Every decision and action he took was based on his deep concern for others, and his memory will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts.”

Bao’s family, who reside in China, also provided a statement through the police.

“Yanfei has been away from us for a year. As her family, we still find it difficult to accept this fact. Ever since the incident happened, we have been overwhelmed and feel helpless while we are away from our home country.

“We can only hope that the police will find Yanfei soon and restore her peace. Thanks to the police’s hard work and tireless efforts, significant progress has been made in the case, which brings great comfort to our family. We sincerely thank the police for their dedication to Yanfei and their support towards us.”

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Operation Helo had begun with about 30 detectives, plus a diving squad and other specialists.

Reeves said earlier today police continued to act on leads and information received and initiate search activity accordingly.