A BODY has been found in the search for a woman who disappeared after leaving her home a week ago.
Police believe they have found the body of Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, from Ilford, east London, after she was reported missing on May 31.
The body was discovered in the Bolderwood area of the New Forest in Hampshire during a police search today.
Cops have also charged a man – Juan Toledo, 51, who was known to Yajaira – with her murder.
He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded into custody.
Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
A post-mortem exam has yet to take place, and there has not been formal identification of the body – but Yajaira’s family have been informed about the discovery.
While Yajaira’s death was originally treated as a missing person’s investigation led by local officers, it was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on June 5.
This came after a range of extensive further inquiries suggested she had come to harm.
DI Gregory urged anyone with information about Yajaira’s death to contact police.
You can reach the Metropolitan Police by dialling 101, quoting reference CAD 3020/06JUN25.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
PAYajaira Castro Mendez was reported missing on May 31, after she had left home two days prior[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
