Police conducting a murder investigation in connection with the disappearance of Leah Croucher in Milton Keynes have provided a further update to the public.
Yesterday (12/10), Thames Valley Police announced a murder investigation had been launched in connection with the Leah Croucher investigation, after a number of items linked to the investigation were found.
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.
During the ongoing investigation at the scene, human remains were identified.
Officers say that they are "dealing with a difficult and challenging scene" and are conducting investigations "thoroughly and with dignity".
"A Home Office post-mortem examination is expected to take place on Friday (14/10), although this may take some time, as will the formal identification of the deceased person located inside the property," police say.
Police say forensic examinations will continue at the scene with a scene-watch at the address with increased presence of officers in the area.
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.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, Thames Valley Police’s head of crime, said: “Leah’s family and friends remain uppermost in our thoughts at this extremely difficult time.
“We are continuing to keep them updated on any developments, and we would again ask the media to respect their privacy.
“I would also like to thank the local community for their support and patience while our investigation continues.
“Naturally, there is a thirst for information, and I can reassure both the media and the community, that when we are able to, we will provide updates publicly."
Drone images from Sky News show investigations taking place on Wednesday (12/10) Image credit: Sky News
“Our Major Crime Unit have launched a murder investigation as a result of our findings this week, and as such, I would again like to appeal to anybody who may have any information around the disappearance of Leah to please get in contact with us.
“It may be that you have had information over the last three years and eight months that you did not consider relevant.
“If you have, I would urge you to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or online, no matter how insignificant you believe this information to be.
"You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“We are absolutely committed to finding out what has happened to Leah. As a community, who have been so supportive since Leah’s disappearance, I know you want to help as well, and I thank the many people who have got in touch during the course of our investigations.”
Image credit: MKFM
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
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.
