Police searching for missing man Justin Henry found the body in the trunk of the car

Police investigating the disappearance of a man in south London have found a body in the boot of a car.

Officers found a Red Nissan Almera parked near Nicholass Court in Dale Road, Purley, near Croydon, on Monday evening.

The family of 34-year-old Justin Henry, who has been missing since October 15, has been notified, but formal identification has not yet been completed.

Two men, aged 29 and 28, have been charged with Mr Henry’s murder, while a 27-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of kidnapping has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The Metropolitan Police said the car was treated as a crime scene on Monday to preserve evidence, the body was located on Tuesday and a post-mortem examination was carried out, but no cause of death had been established.

Chief Inspector Matt Webb, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Due to the need to preserve forensic evidence, officers carried out a careful and methodical examination of the scene.

“However, on Tuesday we confirmed there was a body in the car and spoke to Justin’s family later that day. We are waiting to officially confirm the identity of the body.

“My heart goes out to his family who have endured weeks of anxious waiting for news. Justin’s family are understandably very upset and we would ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”

He added: “Although we have charged two people with Justin’s murder, we would still like anyone with information about the movements of the red Nissan in the days following Justin’s disappearance to call the police – we still need and are asking for the public’s help.”

Mr Henry, who has links to the SE23/Forest Hill area, was last seen in person at his partner’s address in Brixton on October 15 and was reported missing a day later.

He was wearing distinctive jewelery of a Rolex watch, three Cartier bracelets and a diamond ring before he disappeared and was last seen on CCTV buying food at a McDonald’s restaurant on London Road in Croydon at around 9.50pm on the 15 October.

Detectives believe that after leaving the McDonald’s drive-thru, he drove to nearby Waddon New Road, where he left the silver Mercedes E-Class for around two-and-a-half hours.

The Mercedes was found on Monday 16 October in Kingswood Drive, SE19.

It is not clear who was driving the vehicle when it got there just before 1am that day due to blurry CCTV footage of the driver, but Mr Henry’s family said it was not him.

Officers carried out forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and Mr Henry’s car, as well as extensive CCTV and telephone enquiries.

Police appealed for anyone with information to call the force on 101 or contact Twitter/X @MetCC quoting Operation Ashgulf or CAD 1523/02NOV.

To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.