Police identify human remains found in Croydon park as Sarah Mayhew

Human remains discovered in a south London park have been identified by police as those of a 38-year-old woman.

The remains of Sarah Mayhew were discovered in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, on the morning of 2 April.

The Metropolitan police said the family of Mayhew, who was from Croydon, had been informed of her death and were being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

A 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman who were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder remained in custody pending further enquiries, the force added.

DI Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, said: “My thoughts are with Sarah’s family as they deal with this heartbreaking news. No family should have to lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances, and we will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses. The two people in custody were known to Sarah and at present we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.”

Ch Supt Andy Brittain, the lead for policing in Croydon, said: “While I hope these updates will offer some reassurance to the local community, we are aware of the understandable concern this incident has caused across New Addington.

“Your local policing teams will continue to be visible and available to discuss your concerns, and answer any questions you may have as best we can. We repeat our thanks for the support and patience of the public, which has allowed officers to carry out important enquiries at the scene.”

Last week the Met said it had consulted a forensic anthropologist who confirmed that the remains came from one victim. The force said at the time it was not searching any other sites.