A middle-aged man has been arrested on suspension of murdering missing 24-year-old Maureen Gitau from Deptford.
Detectives yesterday (Saturday December 31, 2022) confirmed that they thought it likely that Maureen has been killed and said they have arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Maureen was reported missing on December 10, having last been seen five days earlier as she left her home in Evelyn Street.
Police now believe she has come to ‘serious harm’ although a body has not been found. The 54-year-old man, thought to be known to Maureen, was arrested on Friday. He remains in police custody.
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Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation, said:“This arrest is a significant development in what is now being treated as a murder investigation.
“Whilst we have not located Maureen’s body we have reason to believe she has come to serious harm and has likely been killed.
“Maureen’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.
“This news has come as a terrible shock. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them at this very difficult time.”
Public appeals were issued for help finding Maureen but she has not been seen or heard from since the day of her disappearance.
In the appeal published by the News on Christmas Eve, Maureen’s desperate mother Jane said: “It is so hard not to have Maureen at home with us, especially at Christmas. Maureen is much-loved and is such an important part of our lives. We are desperate to have her back home with us. If anyone knows where Maureen is, let us know. Maureen – please come home to us.”
As concerns grew for her wellbeing, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command were brought in to assist and later take on the investigation.
They are still asking for anyone who knew Maureen and who saw her on Monday, 5 December in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could assist our investigation, to call 101, giving the reference 3230985/22.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.