Human remains found in a woodland in Kent are those of Sarah Everard, police have said. Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave confirmed the news a short time ago.
The 33-year-old went missing in south London on Wednesday, 3 March, while walking home from a friend’s house.
A serving Metropolitan Police officer, attached to the Met’s Diplomatic Protection Group, remains in police custody.
Ms Everard was last seen leaving a friend’s house on Leathwaite Road in Clapham, southwest London, at about 9pm on 3 March to walk to her home in Brixton.
A woman in her 30s, who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on bail to return to a police station on a date in mid-April.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said
“I want to start by saying that my thoughts and prayers – and those of the whole Met – are with Sarah Everard’s family and all of her many friends at this unimaginably painful time.
“As you know, on Wednesday evening detectives investigating her disappearance very sadly discovered a body in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent.
“I can now confirm this has been formally identified as Sarah. A post-mortem examination is now taking place.
“Specialist officers are in constant contact with her family and have updated them on this terrible news.
“We continue to support them as best we possibly can in these truly dreadful circumstances.
“A Metropolitan Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of Sarah’s murder remains in custody.
“Our investigation continues with hundreds of officers working around the clock to find out exactly what has taken place.
“I know that the public feel deeply hurt and angry and I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that we too are horrified.
“I understand that women in London and the wider public, particularly those in the area where Sarah went missing, will be worried and may well be feeling frightened.
“Londoners are likely to continue to see extra officers on the streets in the coming days.
“Please know our officers are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe. Our dedication to serve the people of London is undiminished.”
More follows.. (last updated 14:16 hours)
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