UPDATE: Thames Valley Police have identified human remains during forensic examinations in Loxbeare Drive, Milton Keynes, during the search for missing Leah Croucher.

A MURDER investigation has been launched after items belonging to missing teenager Leah Croucher were found in a Bucks property.

Police said officers received information from a member of public on Monday, October 10, relating to a house in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, Milton Keynes.

Specialist officers and forensic teams attended the location.

Thames Valley Police is providing an update in connection with the Leah Croucher investigation in Milton Keynes.

READ MORE: Leah Croucher: Human remains have been found by police

 

Forensic investigations have been carried out in the property and items including a rucksack and personal possessions belonging to Leah Croucher have been found.

Leah Croucher was reported missing on February 15, 2019.

Thames Valley Police have now launched a murder investigation as a result of their findings. 

Police have remained at the scene since 6.30pm on Monday and are contuining with their investigations.

It comes after a large-scale missing person investigation has been ongoing for the last three and a half years, with extensive searches and house-to-house enquiries. 

Head of Crime for Thames Valley Police, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said: “Following a call to police on Monday, we attended an address and located items of concern within the property.

“We are dealing with a very difficult scene but we can now confirm that we have discovered a number of items that are linked to Leah, and as such, we have now launched a murder investigation, led by our Major Crime Unit.

“Leah’s family have been kept updated and continue to be supported by officers, and we are urging the public and media to think of her family and not to speculate further while this investigation is in the early stages.

“We will provide further updates when we are able to do so.

“There remains a scene-watch in place at the address while this investigation continues, and we are committed to ensuring that our enquiries at the scene are thorough.

“During our search for Leah, we have committed hundreds of officers and staff to the search for Leah over the last three and a half years, reviewing 1,200 hours of CCTV and conducted more than 4,000 house-to-house inquiries and offered several rewards for information to lead us to Leah.  

“The call from the member of the public that we received on Monday was the first occasion that we were alerted to this address, and we thank them for contacting us immediately to report their concerns.

“Our thoughts remain with Leah’s family and friends, and we will continue to offer them all the support that they need.”