Children's 'shocking' find at park after woman, 32, goes missing
A group of children playing in a London park have found a body believed to be that of a senior nurse assistant who has been missing for weeks.
Petra Srncova, 32, was last seen on the evening of November 28 after she left Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where she worked.
Police believe after leaving the hospital Ms Srncova went and withdrew money from an ATM before getting on two buses towards her home in Camberwell.
Her family in the Czech Republic had not heard from her, police said in an appeal on December 11.
"Her disappearance is out of character and, of course, her loved ones are extremely concerned and want to know where she is," Detective Superintendent Clair Kelland, from the Central South Command Unit, said.
On Sunday (local time), police were called to Brunswick Park following reports of a woman's body being found.
In the media release, police said they had been appealing for information to trace Ms Srncova.
"While formal identification awaits, Petra’s family have been informed of this development," police said, adding the woman's death was being treated as "unexplained" at this time.
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On Twitter, the Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek confirmed police had confirmed with the embassy in London, the body found in the park was of a Czech citizen.
"The British police unfortunately confirmed to our embassy in London this afternoon that they had found the body of a missing Czech citizen," he said on Sunday.
"The cause of death is being investigated. With regard to the family, we will not provide more information about the case. Condolences."
Body found by children, local mum says
Speaking to MyLondon, Selda Kayam, a woman who lives in the area, said the body in the park was discovered by her friend's children.
"My friend lives here also and she gave me a call. Her friend's children, they found the body at around 11am this morning when they were playing in the park," she said.
"It's quite scary for us, we feel like we're not safe anymore. I'm not really feeling comfortable. I'm not sure if I would take my children back to that park.
"When my friend's kids were running around the park, that's when they saw it. It's really shocking."
This is extremely sad and worrying news regarding the disappearance of our colleague. Our thoughts are with Petra’s family, friends and colleagues at this hugely difficult time. Thank you to everyone who has helped to share the appeal to find Petra. https://t.co/090EpBgZTC
— Evelina London (@EvelinaLondon) December 12, 2021
Following the news of the body being found at the park, Ms Srncova's employer said the news in relation to the missing employee was "sad and worrying".
"Our thoughts are with Petra’s family, friends and colleagues at this hugely difficult time," Evelina London Children's Hospital said on Twitter.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped to share the appeal to find Petra."
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