Police officer arrested after woman vanishes while walking home
A police officer has been arrested in connection with a missing woman who hasn't been seen since she left a friend’s house seven days ago.
Sarah Everard, 33, was last seen on CCTV footage as she started walking home around 9pm in Clapham, south London on March 3 (local time).
Metropolitan Police confirmed through a statement the arrested officer was currently serving in the force and was arrested Tuesday evening at an address in Kent, along with a woman suspected of "assisting an offender".
Ms Everard’s family said her disappearance was “totally out of character” as a large police presence was seen searching Clapham Common - the last location Ms Everard made a phone call from as she walked home.
A chilling image showing a white beanie in a bush cordoned off by police tape, similar to the one Ms Everard was last seen wearing was released, however police haven't confirmed if the beanie belonged to the missing woman.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin described the arrests as a “significant development” and the investigation as “fast moving”.
The arrested officer and woman remain in custody at a London police station.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said the fact that a police officer has been arrested in the investigation is “deeply disturbing”.
“We will continue to work with all speed on this investigation but the fact that the arrested man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing,” he said in a media statement.
"I understand there will be significant public concern but it is essential that the investigative team are given the time and space to continue their work."
Investigators are still pleading with anyone who has any information to come forward.
"We have seen an overwhelming response from the public and I repeat my request for anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem," Inspector Goodwin said.
Police said no further statement would be released at the current time.
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