The police launch a murder hunt in the case of a missing person

Police have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of a man in Croydon earlier this month.

Justin Henry, 34, was reported missing on October 16 and his family said his disappearance was out of character.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wood, from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command, said on Wednesday: “Unfortunately we had to inform Mr Henry’s family yesterday that we are treating his disappearance as a homicide investigation.

“You can only imagine how devastating it will be for everyone who loves and cares for him. I know his loved ones will continue to hope and pray that Justin is found safe and well.”

He continued: “The lack of any evidence that Justin is alive, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, which his family say are completely out of character, and the forensic evidence we have gathered all suggest that he suffered serious harm and could have been killed.

“Along with his family, we sincerely hope that is not the case and that is why we are appealing to the public to help us find out what happened to him. Please think about the suffering of Justin’s family and if you have any information that could help, please contact us.”

Police are trying to establish the movements of Mr Henry, who has links to the SE23 area of ​​London, since he left his partner’s home in Brixton on Sunday, October 15.

He was seen on CCTV at around 9.50pm that night buying food from a McDonald’s restaurant in London Road, Croydon, and his silver Mercedes E Class remained for around two and a half hours.

The car was found in the early hours of Wednesday 18 October in Kingswood Drive, SE19, where it was seen on CCTV shortly after midnight on 16 October. The image of the driver is blurry, but Mr Henry’s family say it was not him.

Detective Chief Inspector Wood urged people to “search their memory” and get in touch if they have information.

“Don’t worry if you think your information won’t be important, it could be the vital piece of the puzzle that helps us find Justin and bring the family the answers they want, need and it is so desperately worth it,” he said.

A 27-year-old woman, arrested on October 18 on suspicion of kidnapping, has been released on bail pending further inquiries until mid-January 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter/X @MetCC quoting Operation Ashgulf or CAD 5224/21Oct.

To give anonymous information, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.