Detectives investigating the disappearance and murder of a Colombian woman have discovered a body 40 miles outside London.
Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police last Saturday having left her home in Ilford two days earlier.
Following urgent enquiries and searches in the Bolderwood area of Lyndhurst, Hampshire, human remains were discovered a week later on June 7.
A force spokesman said: “While we await formal identification, Yajaira’s family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers.”
Officers had also been at a scene in Gray’s Inn Road, Camden, on Friday as part of their investigation.
Juan Toledo, 51, of St Kitts Terrace, Crystal Palace, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on the same day charged with her murder.
Scotland Yard said Toledo, who was arrested on Tuesday, is known to Ms Castro Mendez.
A post mortem will be held in due course.
Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, leading the homicide probe, said: “This is a very sad development in the investigation and are thoughts are very much with Yajaira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.”
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, added detectives had been “working around the clock” to find her.
He said: “Yajaira’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers.
“The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on Thursday (June 5) after a range of extensive further inquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm.
“Yajaira’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we are keeping them updated with developments.
“Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth.
“We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our inquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward.”
Anyone with information relating to Ms Castro Mendez’s disappearance is asked to contact 101, quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
