Flower tributes have been left outside a property on Loxbeare Drive in Furzton, Milton Keynes as national media and TV crews descend on the area.
Today, Thames Valley Police announced a murder investigation has been launched in connection with the Leah Croucher investigation, after a number of items linked to the investigation were found.
Police are reminding people to respect the families privacy and the privacy of neighbouring properties as police continue with their investigations.
During an ongoing investigation at the scene, human remains have been identified.
Leah, who was 19-years-old at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing from Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes on Friday 15 February 2019, by her family.
Formal identification has not yet been made and police say this process is "likely to take some time".
The significant update in the inquiry came following a call from a member of the public on Monday, specialist officers and forensic teams have since been attending the location.
Drone images from Sky News show police working to the side of the house located in Furzton.
Drone image credit: Sky News
Since Leah's disappearance in 2019, police have carried out more than 4,000 house-to-house inquiries. Over 1,200 hours of CCTV footage have also been viewed.
BREAKING - Human remains found at location of Leah Croucher investigation
Since learning of the developments within the investigation, local MP Iain Stewart said: "It is extremely upsetting to learn of the developments in the Leah Croucher case. I am in contact with Thames Valley Police about the situation, and will help them in any way I can.
"My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Leah's loved ones at this difficult time."
Head of Crime for Thames Valley Police, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, said: “Clearly this is a very significant update in our enquiries and as a result, we have launched a murder investigation, led by our Major Crime Unit.
“Throughout the course of the last three and a half years, we have made numerous appeals for information and we are grateful to those who have been able to assist."
Image credit: MKFM
BREAKING - Human remains found at location of Leah Croucher investigation
“But I am now making a renewed, and specific appeal, to anybody who believes that they may have been in the area of Loxbeare Drive on or around 15 February 2019 and has any information which may be relevant to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police."
“I appreciate the passage of time that has passed, but we remain hopeful that somebody may have a crucial piece of information particularly given this significant development today.
“It may be that you have CCTV in the area. If you have any footage from around the time of Leah’s disappearance, please check this and contact us on 101, or online quoting reference number 43190049929."
Image credit: Sky News
“No matter how insignificant you believe any information you may have will be, please contact us. Your information could prove critical in this investigation.
“For 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"This remains a difficult and challenging scene and there continues to be a scene-watch in place at the address while this investigation continues.
“We are committed to ensuring that our enquiries at the scene are thorough and respectful, therefore we could be at the scene for some time.
“Our thoughts remain with Leah’s family and friends at what is naturally a very distressing time for them.
“We would appeal to the media and the public to please respect the privacy of Leah’s family and friends and would add that speculation is both extremely distressing to them.”
A timeline in the investigation of missing Leah Croucher
Leah, who was 19-years-old at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing from Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes on Friday 15 February 2019, by her family. They last saw her at 10pm the day before, 14 February, Valentine’s Day.
The last confirmed sighting of Leah was at 8.16am on CCTV in Buzzacott Lane, Furzton, on the morning of 15 February, and the last activity on her phone was just after 8.30am that day.
February 2019: Police 'working tirelessly' as search for missing Leah Croucher is stepped up
March 2019: Family release new video appeal to find their daughter.
October 2019: Police search the lake and surrounding area at the Blue Lagoon in Bletchley.
November 2019: Brother of Leah Croucher dies nine months after her disappearance
February 2020: One year anniversary of her disappearance.
February 2021: Still no leads two years after Leah Croucher disappeared from Milton Keynes
February 2022: Family of Leah Croucher issue statement on three-year anniversary of her disappearance in Milton Keynes
March 2022: Police renew appeal in missing Leah Croucher from Milton Keynes investigation, police re-release images in the hopes people pictured can be identified.
October 2022: Belongings found at an address in Furzton, Milton Keynes.
