Human remains confirmed as missing woman

Police investigating the discovery of human remains in a North Shore reserve last week can confirm that they are that of missing woman Cissy Chen.

Forensic examination resulted in the positive identification of Ms Chen's body.

Her remains were found in a drain at Totaravale Reserve last Monday afternoon, an extensive search of the surrounding drains by a specialist Police team resulted in other parts of the skeleton being found.

Cissy Chen vanished from her Torbay home on Monday 5 November 2012 (Guy Fawkes night). On that day Cissy left her workplace in Glenfield and arrived home at about 4.30pm. She was reported missing by her partner at around 9.30pm that night.

Despite extensive searches by Police, she was not found and a homicide investigation (Operation Waiau) was launched.

Detective Inspector Bruce Scott, Head of Operation Waiau, says the discovery of Ms Chen's body is a significant breakthrough in the investigation;

"The area that Cissy's body has been found in was well-known to both Cissy and her partner. They lived nearby and used to walk regularly around the neighbourhood" says DI Scott.

Police have spoken with Cissy's family and whilst they are understandably upset, they are pleased that her body has now been found.

"We're now working through the information gathered from last week's scene examination, and an area canvass of residents in the neighbourhood is also underway. Anyone who lived in the Totaravale Reserve area in November 2012 who has since moved is asked to get in touch with us" says DI Scott.

A blessing of the site at Totaravale Reserve will be performed by a local Kaumatua tomorrow morning at 9am.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Operation Waiau team on 0800 024 779.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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