Croydon: Two charged with murder after human remains found

Two people have appeared in court charged with murder after the remains of 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew were found in a south London park.

Gemma Watts, 48, of Holmbury Grove, Croydon and Steve Samson, 44, of Burnell Road, Sutton, appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court.

The pair were also charged with the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

They were remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on 11 April.

Police were called to Rowdown Fields in Croydon on the morning of 2 April where Ms Mayhew's body was discovered.

Ms Watts and Mr Samson were both arrested on Saturday, the Met Police said.

The pair have both been charged with murdering Ms Mayhew at some point between 8 March and 2 April this year and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body within the same time period.

Mr Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child. These charges are unconnected with the murder investigation at this stage, the Met Police said.

Ms Mayhew's family have been informed and officers continue to support them, the force added.

Ch Sup Andy Brittain, who leads policing in Croydon, said: "I would like to thank the detectives and officers across the Met whose expertise continues to enable this speedy and thorough investigation.

"The local community has also offered much support during this time, as officers carried out this vital work, and we are very appreciative of their efforts.

"My sincere condolences are with Sarah's family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses."

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