Human remains found in London river believed to be Sarah Mayhew

Human remains found in a London river are believed to be Sarah Mayhew’s, police have said.

Contractors carrying out cleaning work found the remains in Mitcham, south-west London, on Tuesday afternoon.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Rawnsley Avenue at 2.18pm and a crime scene was set up.

Remains of the 38-year-old were first found by a dog walker in Rowndown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, south London, on April 2.

The dog uncovered a human bone and Ms Mayhew’s arms, legs and head were later found nearby.

On April 11 the Old Bailey heard that police were still looking for her torso.

Gemma Watts, 48, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, and Steven Sansom, 45, of Burnell Road in Sutton, have been charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial.

It is alleged the couple killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools, the court heard.

An examination of her body found two small vertebrae were broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull and her head had been shaved.

Ms Mayhew was last seen in Sutton, south-west London, on the evening of March 8.

Sansom also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, leading the investigation, said: “My thoughts remain with Sarah’s family. We will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.

“I expect my officers to remain in the area for some time as they carry out important work at the scene.

“Two people arrested, who were known to Sarah, were later charged with her murder. At present we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Inquiries are ongoing.”

The family of Ms Mayhew, from Croydon, has been informed and is being supported by specialised officers.