Sarah Mayhew: Human remains found in river believed to be of woman 'dismembered with power tools'

Sky News

Updated 22 May 2024 at 10:30 am·2-min read

Human remains found in a river in south London are believed to be of Sarah Mayhew, police have said.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Rawnsley Avenue in Mitcham at 2.18pm on Tuesday to reports of human remains being found in the river by contractors carrying out cleaning work.

Remains of the 38-year-old, who was last seen in Sutton, southwest London, on the evening of 8 March, were first found by a dog walker in Rowndown Fields in Croydon on 2 April.

The dog uncovered a human bone and Ms Mayhew's arms, legs and head were later found nearby.

On 11 April, the Old Bailey heard that police were still looking for her torso.

Ms Mayhew's family have been informed of the development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Gemma Watts, 48, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, and Steven Sansom, 45, of Burnell Road in Sutton, have been charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial.

They were known to the victim, police said.

It is alleged Ms Mayhew was killed at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools, the court heard.

An examination of her body found two small vertebrae broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull, and her head had been shaved.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, said: "My thoughts remain with Sarah's family. We will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.

"I expect my officers to remain in the area for some time as they carry out important work at the scene."

"Two people arrested, who were known to Sarah, were later charged with her murder. At present we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death," he added.

Inquiries are ongoing.

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