Unknown witness may hold clues to woman’s disappearance in Surrey, B.C.

Jinghua Xu was last seen in the area of Crescent Beach at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 23. (Handout)

Investigators searching for a missing woman in Surrey, B.C., say new information has come to light about a potential witness in the case.

A statement Tuesday from the Surrey Police Service says 44-year-old Jinghua Xu was last seen in the area of Crescent Beach at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 23.

Authorities say they have evidence indicating that an unknown woman, likely of South Asian descent, was walking her dogs near the beach’s Sullivan Point lifeguard station when she found two bags.

The woman is believed to have opened the bags and may have taken photos of their contents.

“It is unknown what happened to the bags, as they were not located during police searches later that morning,” the Surrey police said.

Investigators are now appealing for assistance identifying the woman who found the bags.

“It is believed that these bags may have belonged to Jinghua Xu,” police said.

The missing woman is described as an Asian woman, approximately 5’2” tall with a medium build. Police say she has black hair and may have been wearing a yellow jacket at the time of her disappearance.

“Police and family are concerned for her health and well-being,” police said in a statement immediately following her disappearance.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502.