30 May 2024

Woman reported as missing while visiting NZ found 'safe'

2:34 pm on 30 May 2024
Police set up a blue specialist search group tent in the front yard of a Christchurch apartment as they investigate the disappearance of Ping Lyu, 41, who was last seen on Saturday.

Police set up a specialist search group tent in the yard of a Christchurch apartment as they investigate the disappearance of Ping Lyu, 41, who was last seen on 25 May. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

Police say a woman reported missing in Christchurch is safe and officers no longer have concerns for her welfare.

Police on Wednesday said they had serious concerns for Ping Lyu, 41, who was last seen in Stewart Street near the inner-city on Saturday 25 May.

She was visiting from China, had no known relatives in New Zealand and did not speak English.

Police set up a blue specialist search group tent in the front yard of an apartment in the street on Wednesday morning, where two officers stood guard.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, police said Ping Lyu had been located.

"Christchurch police have received information regarding the whereabouts of a woman visiting New Zealand from China, who we appealed for sightings of yesterday," police said.

"As a result of the information received, police have established the woman is safe and there are no longer concerns for her welfare.

"Police would like to thank all those who contacted us as a result of our appeal for information."

On Wednesday police said their main concern was that no-one had seen or heard from Lyu since Saturday afternoon and it was possible she was travelling independently around the country.