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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Man arrested on suspicion of murdering missing woman, 24, from Deptford

Maureen Gitau was reported missing on December 10

(Picture: Metropolitan Police)

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 24-year-old woman from south London who was last seen nearly four weeks ago.

Maureen Gitau, 24, was reported missing by her family on December 10 having last been seen five days earlier, as she left her home in Evelyn Street, Deptford, on December 5.

Police have since issued appeals to the public to help find Maureen but she has not been seen or heard from since, and concerns have grown for her welfare.

In a major update on Saturday, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command confirmed on they on Friday arrested 54-year-old man on suspicion of Maureen’s murder. He remains in police custody.

It is believed Maureen and the arrested man knew each other.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation, said: “This arrest is a significant development in what is now being treated as a murder investigation.

“Whilst we have not located Maureen’s body we have reason to believe she has come to serious harm and has likely been killed.

“Maureen’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.

“This news has come as a terrible shock. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them at this very difficult time.”

The Met is urging anyone who knew Maureen and who saw her on Monday, December 5 in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could help the police investigation, to call 101 giving the reference 3230985/22.

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