A man has been charged with the murder of 23-year-old Megan Newborough who was found dead on a country lane in Leicestershire on Sunday.
Police said they had charged Ross Macullam, 29, from Coalville, who has been remanded in custody. He was also arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released under investigation regarding the matter.
Megan’s family paid tribute to their “treasured daughter” who was was reported missing on Saturday before her body was discovered on a road near the village of Woodhouse Eaves in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement, Newborough’s family said: “There are no words to describe how much we as a family are completely heartbroken and devastated. Megan was the most generous, loving and caring person and we have been robbed of our treasured daughter. We are grateful for the support we have received so far but ask that we are allowed to grieve in peace.”
Leicestershire police have appealed for anyone who saw a white Citroen C3 travelling between Coalville and Loughborough to come forward, and asks anyone who thinks they can help the investigation to contact them on their website quoting incident 500 of 7 August, or alternatively, call 101.
DI Kenny Henry, from the east Midlands special operations unit, is leading the investigation. He said: “First and foremost, my deepest condolences are with Megan’s family at this difficult time.
“We’re continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death and I am still appealing for public help to piece together the information we already have. I would ask that anyone who thinks they are able to help but hasn’t yet spoken to us to do the right thing and come forward – it’s not too late.”
Newborough, from Nuneaton, was first reported missing to Warwickshire police on Saturday afternoon. The search to find her was then extended into Leicestershire.
Macullam is due to appear at Leicester magistrates’ court on Wednesday.
