Body found in hunt for missing Colombian woman believed to have been murdered.

Police searching for a missing woman in what has become a murder probe have found a body.

A murder investigation has been launched by Met detectives following the disappearance of Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, from Ilford.

Yajaira is a Colombian national who has been residing in the UK.

She was reported missing to police on Saturday, 31 May, having left her home on the morning of Thursday, 29 May.

Yesterday, Friday, June 6, a man known to her appeared in court charged with her murder, and was remanded into custody.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Today, detectives sadly discovered a body.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "While we await formal identification, Yaraira’s family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers.

"Yaraira went missing from Ilford on Thursday, 29 May. Following extensive enquiries by officers a murder investigation was launched.

"Since that time detectives have been carrying out urgent enquiries to find Yahaira’s body and during searches in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire on Saturday, 7 June they found a body."

A post mortem will be held in due course.

Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sad development in the investigation and are thoughts are very much with Yaraira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.”

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said: “Officers have been working around the clock to find Yajaira. She has not been seen or heard from by her family or friends since the date she was reported missing.

“Yajaira’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on Thursday, 5 June after a range of extensive further enquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm. Yajaira’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we are keeping them updated with developments.

“I understand the impact this news may have on our local community, however we do have a man charged and in custody and we are not searching for anyone else at this stage. The man and Yajaira are believed to be known to each other.

“Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth. We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our enquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward.”

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information relating to Yajaira’s disappearance to contact police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.