Police will remain at a Greenpark address today, forensically examining an area where remains were located during the search for the missing Christchurch woman, Yanfei Bao.

Yesterday, a team of 60 search staff scoured the area following an investigative lead at a specific location of interest.

The discovery was made an hour and a half into the search when a shallow grave was uncovered in the treeline.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said, “Our forensic examination team carefully removed the remains yesterday afternoon, and a postmortem is due to take place later today.”

“This process will formally identify the remains and provide answers for the outstanding questions we have.” Police will remain at the Greenpark property today to thoroughly search the area for any other possible items of interest.

Detective Inspector Reeves said, “Bringing Yanfei home is what we set out to do, and we are confident that we have succeeded in that.”

“This brings a range of emotions, but mainly relief that we can finish this chapter for Yanfei’s loved ones and give them a sense of peace.

“Yanfei’s family are now processing this news and taking time to come to terms with the information.”

Police are continuing to prepare for the upcoming trial in October for the 53-year-old man charged with murder.