A man and woman have been charged with murder after the remains of a woman were found in Croydon.

The woman has been named as Sarah Mayhew, 38, from Croydon after her remains were found at Rowdown Fields at around 9am on April 2.

Gemma Saundercock, 48, of Holmbury Grove, Croydon and Steve Samson, 44, of Burnell Road, Sutton were arrested on Saturday, April 6.

They have since been charged with murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child.

These charged are not connected with the murder investigation at this stage.

The pair will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 9, charged with murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Sarah’s family have been informed of the charges and officers are supporting them.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, who leads policing in Croydon, said: “I would like to thank the detectives and officers across the Met whose expertise continues to enable this speedy and thorough investigation.

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

“My sincere condolences are with Sarah’s family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses.”

An investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 9am on April 2 to reports of possible human remains found on Rowdown Fields in Croydon.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.