The family of a Sydney woman who police believe was murdered by her flatmate has made an emotional plea for information from the public that could help the investigation.
Qi Yu, 28, was last seen 18 days ago in the south-west Sydney suburb of Campsie where she lived.
Ms Yu's father Zhihe Yu told media at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday that he and his wife have been out searching for their daughter at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park near Sydney — the area where police say she last used her mobile phone — and are desperate for any information about her disappearance.
"Both of us can't sleep every night," Mr Yu said. "My wife's tears run dry.
"We want to ask for everyone's help - if you have any information regarding my daughter's whereabouts, please contact the police."
Police charged her flatmate Shuo Dong, 19, with her murder earlier this month but Ms Yu's body has not been found.
Mr Dong appeared in court on June 13, but it is understood he is not helping police with their inquiries.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before court again next month.
Ms Yu's parents touched down in Sydney from China to help police in their search for the 28-year-old, who last spoke to them the day before she went missing.
Police Detective Superintendent Kerrie-Anne Lewis said police had been searching on land, air and water.
Detective Lewis said the family are still hopeful of finding their daughter alive.
"They still have some hope but they are aware that it's been 18 days and the chances of finding their daughter alive is . . . non-existent," she said.
"(But) we will continue to support this family through this extremely difficult time.
"Any information at all, no matter how small, could be the piece of information that we're looking for and provide some assistance and closure for this family."
