Missing Chinese woman in Christchurch found: Search called off as Ping Lyu found with ‘somebody she knows’

Ping Lyu was last seen on Stewart St in Addington, Christchurch on Saturday. Photos / George Heard / NZ Police

A Chinese woman who had been missing in Christchurch, prompting police to say they had “serious concerns” for her safety, is alive and “in the company of somebody she knows”.

Police including detectives and forensic experts had this morning been scouring a block of Christchurch flats as they searched for Ping Lyu, who had been missing since Saturday.

Lyu had last been seen on Stewart St in Addington, Christchurch on Saturday, May 25.

The 41-year-old woman is visiting New Zealand from China. She has no known relatives in New Zealand and does not speak English.

Yesterday, police released a statement saying they have “serious concerns” for her welfare and want to establish that she is safe.

But this afternoon, Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells told the Herald that Lyu is no longer being sought.

“We know she is alive and was in the company of somebody she knows this morning,” Wells said.

Police are focussing on a block of flats in Addington, Christchurch as they search for missing Chinese national Ping Lyu. Photo / George Heard

He confirmed that she was still in Christchurch and that they are no longer actively searching for her.

“We no longer have serious concerns for her safety,” he said.

A police statement added: “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.”

Earlier today, police had been focusing on a block of flats on Stewart St in Addington.

Officers cordoned off an apartment and erected a blue police tent.

Police had serious concerns for Ping Lyu who was last seen in Stewart St, Addington on Saturday. Photo / George Heard

Two police officers were standing as scene guards in front of the property.

Many of the flats in the area are advertised for Airbnb accommodations.

This morning, most of the units were unoccupied as the police went about their inquiries.

Ping Lyu was last seen on Stewart Street in Addington, Christchurch last Saturday.

The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch earlier today said it “places great importance to the case concerning a missing Chinese citizen”.

“We note the Canterbury Police Station has opened the case for investigation. The Consulate General urges the Police to step up the search for the missing Chinese citizen,” it said.

“The Consulate General would like to remind Chinese nationals coming to New Zealand to raise their security awareness and maintain regular contact with their families.”