Christchurch police are heading into Christmas with one particular case still hanging over them

44-year-old real estate agent Yanfei Bao was reported missing in July, after failing to collect her nine-year-old from school.

Tingjun Cao has been charged with kidnap and murder - but her body's not been found.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves says it's horrible knowing Yanfei's family can't be with her this Christmas.

She says Police are also family members, they're mums and have mums, and it's challenging to not have found her and have her home yet.