A forensic examination is underway at a house on Trevor Street in Hornby in relation to the disappearance of Yanfei Bao. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Police say a house in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby continues to be a place of interest in their investigation into the disappearance of real estate agent Yanfei Bao.
A 52-year-old man appeared in Christchurch District Court on Monday charged with her kidnapping and was remanded in custody.
Police said their investigation into the disappearance was not a homicide inquiry, but they were concerned for her safety.
A poster appealing for information on Yanfei Bao. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Bao, who works for Harcourts Wigram, was last seen on Wednesday morning door-knocking in the Wigram area as part of her business.
On Tuesday morning police were continuing their search of a house in Trevor Street, Hornby, after it was seized by police on Sunday afternoon. A Harcourts for sale sign can be seen outside the property.
Police have also been seen searching farmland near Lake Ellesmere, south of Christchurch, although they would not confirm what they were looking for or a connection with the case.
In an interview with Morning Report on Monday, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said the inquiry remained a missing persons case. "But yes, I guess as the days carry on and the charge, we do now believe she has been a victim of a criminal offence, that does make the stakes greater. We are very concerned for her safety."
The house was seized by police on Sunday afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Police at the house in Hornby today. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon