Police forensic artist Lin Yuhui thought he had had his 15 minutes of fame last year when he demonstrated his skills on a popular TV show.

However, Lin, 59, a police officer and forensic artist in Shandong province, generated interest again this week when he produced a sketch of the suspect in the disappearance of visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying in the United States after an unofficial request.

Lin said that as the father of a former overseas student, just like any other parent, he is concerned about the safety of children studying abroad.