Human remains have been found in the search for missing Sarah Everard after a police officer was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

The discovery was made in an area of woodland in Ashford in Kent, Commissioner Cressida Dick said moments ago.

“We are not able to confirm any identity. That may take some considerable time,” she added.

Ms Everard’s disappearance in “awful and wicked circumstances” are every family’s nightmare, Ms Dick said.

Bury Times: Sarah Everard had been missing for a weekSarah Everard had been missing for a week

She said Londoners should know that it is “thankfully incredibly rare” for a woman to be abducted from the capital’s streets.

The commissioner added her thoughts are with Ms Everard’s family.

The marketing executive, 33, disappeared after visiting a friend's house in Clapham, south London on March 3.

Serving cop Wayne Couzens, 48, was detained last night on suspicion of kidnap in connection with the case.

 

The constable was then further arrested on suspicion of murder and a separate allegation of indecent exposure today, the Met said.

Today police had been searching land at a disused outdoor activity and golfing centre near the village of Great Chart in Ashford, Kent.

Officers in blue bodysuits could be seen scouring the area, with a helicopter also circling constantly.

Bury Times: Police officers outside Poynders Court on the A205 in ClaphamPolice officers outside Poynders Court on the A205 in Clapham

The helicopter had been flying low around the former Great Chart Golf and Leisure complex, west of Ashford, which police have cordoned off.

A forensics van entered the disused site at about 4pm.

Ms Dick added: “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.”

Earlier today London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is in regular contact with the Metropolitan Police regarding the investigation.

In a statement, the Labour politician said: “I can only imagine the pain and terrible agonies that Sarah Everard’s family and friends are going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

“All women and girls should be able to feel safe on the streets of London at all times and I know how shocked and worried Londoners are by Sarah’s disappearance and the developments in this case.

Bury Times: Police search a home and woodland in KentPolice search a home and woodland in Kent

“I want to assure Sarah’s family, and everyone in our city, that the police are doing absolutely everything they can to find her.

“I know how concerned the public will be at the news that a serving police officer has been arrested and it is right that the case has been referred to the police watchdog for independent investigation.”