Pair charged with murder of woman whose remains were found in Croydon park

Sarah Mayhew, 48, was found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington on April 2
Sarah Mayhew
Met Police
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A man and a woman have been charged with the murder of woman whose remains were discovered in a south London park a week ago.

Steve Samson, 44, and Gemma Saundercock, 48, are accused of killing Sarah Mayhew, the Metropolitan Police said.

Ms Mayhew, 48, was found dumped in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, near Croydon, on last Tuesday.

Saundercock, of Holmbury Grove, Croydon and Samson were arrested on Saturday.

They will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Samson, of Burnell Road, Sutton, has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child.

A police spokesman said: “These charges are unconnected with the murder investigation at this stage.”

Ms Mayhew’s family have been informed and officers remain in close contact as they support them through this extremely difficult time.

Police have carried out searches of Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London, as part of a murder investigation after human remains were found (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
PA Wire

Commander 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.”

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand the significant concern this discovery will have caused to local people, and I want to thank the community for their patience.

“I can confirm our work at the location is complete.

“We remain in contact with partners and local community members. I am grateful to them for their support.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.

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