Police National Dive Squad to search Halswell River

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 25, 2023 |
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A week on from when Yanfei Bao went missing, police are increasing their search activity in locations across Christchurch.

Ms Bao was last seen on Wednesday last week and an active missing person investigation remains ongoing.

Search activities will be taking place today in and around the Halswell River, and the nearby area of Greenpark.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said the Police National Dive Squad have been deployed to assist the investigation team.

“They are expected to begin searching in the water today, however this is reliant on the water levels being at a safe level for staff. 

“Residents in the Greenpark area can also expect to see a police presence in the area searching for Ms Bao.

“We are keeping an open mind as to where Yanfei is and what may have happened to her, but we do have grave concerns at this time.

“As such, we are considering all possible lines of enquiry and making every effort to locate her.


Police outside a for sale house on Trevor Street in Hornby

Staff will also remain at the Trevor Street address in Hornby, conducting a scene examination.

“Police would like to acknowledge their appreciation of the public’s assistance over the past few days.”

The investigation team has received a number of pieces of information and are working through each report.

Every piece of information is valuable to understanding what has occurred since Ms Bao disappeared.


“We continue to be interested in any information relating to sightings of a silver Mitsubishi sedan with the registration DPH101 between Wednesday 19 and Saturday 22 July.”

If you can help, please get in touch with Police via 105, either by calling or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’.

Please reference file number 230720/5911.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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