Yajaira Castro Mendez: Body found in search for missing woman from east London

A body has been found in the search for a missing Colombian woman from east London.

Yajaira Castro Mendez was reported missing to police on 31 May after she left her home in Ilford on the morning of 29 May.

A man known to her appeared in court on Friday charged with the 46-year-old's murder.

Her body was found during searches in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire on Saturday.

Her family has been informed of the discovery, but formal identification has yet to be made.

Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward."

Police were in Gray's Inn Road, Camden, on Friday as part of their investigation. Ms Mendez's disappearance was initially treated as a missing persons investigation.