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Leah Croucher: Date set for inquest of Milton Keynes teenager

South Beds News Agency Leah CroucherSouth Beds News Agency
Leah Croucher had been missing for more than three years when her remains were discovered

A date has been set for the inquest into the death of teenager Leah Croucher following the closure of a police investigation.

The 19-year-old's remains were found at a house in Loxbeare Drive, Milton Keynes in October 2022, more than three years after she went missing.

CCTV footage recorded her last known movements as she walked to work on 15 February 2019.

The inquest was set for 19 and 20 June at Milton Keynes Coroner's Court.

In a statement Ms Croucher's family said they were "happy to have a date for Leah's inquest".

Thames Valley Police Leah Croucher on CCTV footageThames Valley Police
CCTV footage showed the last confirmed sighting of Leah Croucher walking to work on the day she disappeared

"There is a lot of information yet to be shared to us and our legal representation.

"We are looking forward to seeing that", the family added.

Thames Valley Police said: "As these are active coronial proceedings, it is not appropriate for us to comment further on the investigation until the inquest process has been concluded, so as not to prejudice any findings.

"On behalf of Leah's family, we would ask that their privacy is continued to be respected."

Serious case reviews from the probation service and Multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements Panel, which includes the police, will be completed ahead of the inquest.

Milton Keynes Coroner's Office confirmed that the inquest process had resumed following the completion of a police investigation.

Thames Valley Police previously named convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell, who died in April 2019 aged 49, as the murder suspect.

Thames Valley Police Neil MaxwellThames Valley Police
Police previously named convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell, who died in April 2019, as their prime suspect in the murder of Leah Croucher

Maxwell was known to be a handyman at the house where Ms Croucher's remains were found.

Previously, the force said he was the only person to have keys to the house at the time Ms Croucher vanished.

The property where Ms Croucher was found is less than half a mile (0.8km) from where she was last seen on Buzzacott Lane, walking in the direction of Loxbeare Drive and Chaffron Way.

In a statement Ms Croucher's family said: "Today went as expected and we are happy to have a date for Leah's inquest.

"There is a lot of information yet to be shared to us and our legal representation. We are looking forward to seeing that.

"We have nothing further to say at the moment."

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