The search operation for missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao has continued a day after Police's investigation escalated to a homicide.
On Wednesday, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said "I do not believe she's alive" after announcing Police's investigation had switched from a missing person case to a homicide investigation.
In an update on Thursday evening, Det Insp Reeve said Police staff have been out in "large numbers" across Christchurch.
The Police National Dive Squad had been on the water in Halswell River with the assistance of Surf Lifesaving staff, "supporting Police as they search along the river's banks in Inflatable Rescue Boats".
"The Dive Squad is utilising sonar technology to search beneath the surface of the water and identify anything that may be of interest."
Police staff were also in New Brighton Rd and Lake Terrace Rd, as well as in the suburb of Greenpark conducting grid searches of the area.
"We remain committed to finding Ms Bao and more people are expected to join the search tomorrow."
As Thursday draws to a close, one week and one day since Bao was last seen, more people will be out searching on Friday, including Police Search and Rescue, LandSAR volunteers, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving, Police Specialist Search Group, Police Dog Team, Garden City Helicopters and Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
"The helicopters will be assisting with an aerial search, predominantly of Lake Ellesmere."
Det Insp Reeves thanked all the personnel and volunteers for the time and commitment they have given to Operation Helo.
"The investigation team continues to be interested in hearing from members of the public that saw Ms Bao's vehicle on the day she went missing, Wednesday 19 July."
Det Insp Reeves is asking anyone who saw Bao's silver Nissan Dualis after 12:30pm and before 10:45pm last Wednesday to contact Police.
Information can be provided via 105, referencing file number 230720/5911.
Timeline
Bao, a mother-of-one, recently joined Harcourts as a real estate agent and has extensive experience in sales.
She was last seen on Vickerys Rd in the middle-class area of Wigram at about 10:30am last Wednesday. Her car was left parked on Iroquois Pl.
Police and Bao's family had said her disappearance was very out of character and had deep concerns for her safety.
Officers earlier located one of her cell phones nearly 7km from where she was last seen.
Investigators found it in the grass berm along the Southern Motorway thanks to assistance from the public.
Investigators have now searched three properties as part of the probe, dubbed 'Operation Helo'.
