The body of an Asian woman was discovered this afternoon in the boot of a vehicle removed from outside the Keystone Ave, Mt Roskill, address of Nai Yin Xue, late last night.

The vehicle - a car registered to Mr Xue - was removed from where it was parked on the side of the street under warrant last night and taken to a secure location in the city where it was kept under guard overnight.

Officers investigating the disappearance of Anan Liu, the 27 year-old mother of abandoned three year-old Qian Xun Xue, carried out a preliminary search of the vehicle at about 1pm and discovered the body.

Police and ESR [Environmental Science and Research] scientists are now - with the body in-situ - carrying out a forensic examination of the vehicle. The body will be removed for post-mortem examination at the first opportunity.

Police have informed Anan Liu's mother in China of the discovery, but hasten to add that no formal identification of the body has taken place.

"There's a lot of work to do to ensure we preserve as much forensic evidence pertaining to the woman's death as possible," Mr Scott said.

"To that end, we won't be rushed into doing anything and will take the utmost care with a key item in what is now most definitely a homicide investigation.

"We would very much like to speak with Mr Xue, the registered owner of the vehicle who we understand is in the United States of America. Any information that might lead us to him should be given to the Operation Patch homicide investigation team on

0800 272 824."

Mr Scott said today's discovery made gathering information about Anan Liu's activities since she was seen at 4.35pm last Tuesday afternoon - September 11 - at a Balmoral childcare centre when she collected Qian Xun, all the more important.

ENDS

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