New twist in Sarah Everard mystery as family plead for help
An investigation into the disappearance of UK woman Sarah Everard has uncovered concerning details about the man suspected of kidnapping and murdering her.
The man was a serving Metropolitan Police officer and part of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command before he was arrested and detained on suspicion of the heinous crimes.
The 33-year-old marketing executive disappeared while walking home from Clapham to Brixton, south London, on the evening of March 3.
In the latest twist in the case, the man, identified in media reports as a 48-year-old father of two, was revealed to have been reported for indecent exposure four days before Ms Everard went missing.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), police received a report on February 28 saying a man “had exposed himself at a fast food restaurant in south London”.
The IOPC is now investigating whether the report was adequately followed up by police at the time.
Human remains were discovered this week in bushland in Kent about 60 kilometres from where she was last seen. The remains have yet to be identified.
'Be human and let her come home': Sarah Everard's uncle makes desperate plea
Police officer arrested 'not on duty' when she went missing in Clapham
The detained officer was rushed to hospital on Thursday (local time) after being found collapsed in his jail cell. He has since been treated for head injuries and released, The Sun reported.
A vigil is planned to go ahead on Saturday in Ms Evergard's honour.
Family releases statement pleading for help
Ms Everard's family have released a statement through the Metropolitan Police pleading with people who knew anything about her disappearance to tell authorities immediately.
“Our beautiful daughter Sarah was taken from us and we are appealing for any information that will help to solve this terrible crime," the statement read.
“Sarah was bright and beautiful – a wonderful daughter and sister. She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable.
"She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour. She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives.
“We would like to thank our friends and family for all their support during this awful time and we would especially like to thank Sarah’s friends who are working tirelessly to help.
"We are so grateful to the police and would like to thank them for all they are doing. We are now pleading for additional help from the public.
“Please come forward and speak to the police if you have any information. No piece of information is too insignificant. Thank you.”
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