Two charged with murder after woman’s remains found in Croydon park

Two people have been charged after a woman’s remains were found in a park in Croydon, police said.

Gemma Saundercock, 48, and Steve Samson, 44, were arrested on Saturday and charged with murder and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a corpse.

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

However, the charges are unrelated to the crime investigation at this time, the Metropolitan Police said.

The body of Sarah Mayhew, 38, from Croydon, was found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London, after police were called to reports of possible human remains at 9am last Tuesday.

Saundercock, of Holmbury Grove, Croydon, and Samson will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Ms Mayhew’s family have been informed of the allegations and are being supported by officers, the force added.

Commander Andy Brittain, who leads Croydon Police, said: “I would like to thank the detectives and officers in the Met whose expertise continues to enable this swift and thorough investigation.

“The local community has also been very supportive during this time as officers carried out this vital work and we are very appreciative of their efforts.

“Our sincere condolences to Sarah’s family and we will continue to support her as the investigation progresses.”