Police find body in search for woman
HUMAN remains have been found in the search for missing woman Sarah Everard, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said last night.
Just hours after confirming a police officer had been arrested on suspicion of murder, Ms Dick said the discovery of a body was made in an area of woodland in Ashford in Kent.
Earlier yesterday, the Metropolitan Police said a man, who is in his 40s and is part of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, was being questioned over suspected kidnap and murder.
Two sites in Kent were being searched yesterday as the hunt for the missing 33-year-old continued – one of which was believed to be the suspect’s home.
Marketing executive Ms Everard vanished while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on Wednesday, March 3.
“We are not able to confirm any identity. That may take some considerable time,” added Ms Dick.
“The news today that it was a Metropolitan Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of Sarah’s murder has sent shockwaves and anger through the public and through the Met.
“I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that we are utterly appalled at this dreadful, dreadful news.
“Our job is to patrol the streets and to protect people.”
Late on Tuesday, the Met Police said a serving officer from the force had been arrested as part of the investigation, but in an unusual step would not reveal what he had been detained for.
Yesterday, the force said he had been initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap, and later murder. He is also being questioned about a separate allegation of indecent exposure.
The police searches in Kent saw a tent erected at the front of a house in Freemens Way in Deal, where multiple cars were taken away by investigators. Later, a metal fence was put up surrounding the front garden and driveway.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s thoughts were with Ms Everard and her friends and family.
His official spokesman told journalists at a briefing: “As investigations are ongoing on this case I can’t comment.
“But the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with Sarah and her friends and family.”
The arrested officer, who was not on duty at the time of Ms Everard’s disappearance, was responsible for uniformed patrolling of diplomatic premises.
Speaking at Scotland Yard yesterday morning, assistant commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: “As a father myself, of four young women, I can only imagine the anguish that Sarah’s family are feeling at this very very difficult time.”
Ms Everard is thought to have walked through Clapham Common towards her house in Brixton – a journey which should have taken about 50 minutes.
She was last captured on a doorbell camera walking along the A205 Poynders Road towards Tulse Hill at about 9.30pm on March 3.