Human remains found in south London River belong to murder victim | UK News

Human remains found in a river in south London yesterday have been confirmed as belonging to murder victim Sarah Mayhew, whose body was cut up with power tools and dumped.

Police were called to the waterway near a recycling centre in Mitcham after repairmen made the grim discovery shortly before 2.30pm.

Ms Mayhew, 38, was last seen in Sutton on the evening of March 8. Her arms, legs and head were found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, on April 2.

Steven Sansom, 44, and Gemma Watts, 48, are charged with her murder as well as prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

The couple allegedly killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools.

Her cause of death remains unascertained. However, an examination of her body found two small vertebrae were broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull and her head had been shaved.

Police set up a crime scene after the human remains were discovered in the water

The Old Bailey heard last month that investigations were continuing to locate the rest of Ms Mayhew’s remains.

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. Enquiries are ongoing.’

Watts, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, and Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, remain in custody.

Judge Philip Katz KC set a plea hearing for June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from February 17 next year.

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