The community in Sutton has been on edge due to a significant police presence and forensic activity on Burnell Road, following the establishment of a police cordon linked to a murder investigation based in Croydon. Residents have expressed their concerns over the unsettling sight of forensics and police dogs combing through their neighbourhood since Saturday. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that this operation is connected to the harrowing case of Sarah Mayhew, 38, whose remains were tragically discovered at Rowdown Fields on April 2.

In connection with Mayhew’s death, Gemma Saundercock of Holmbury Grove, Croydon, and Steve Samson of Burnell Road, Sutton, were apprehended on April 6. They are slated to appear before Bromley Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body. Additionally, Samson faces three counts of making indecent images of a child, which are presently deemed unrelated to the murder inquiry.

The Metropolitan Police have been actively supporting Mayhew’s family through this distressing time, with specially trained family liaison officers providing necessary assistance. Commander Andy Brittain, leading the police efforts in Croydon, extended his gratitude towards the detectives and officers for their dedicated work and acknowledged the invaluable support from the community during the investigation. “My sincere condolences are with Sarah’s family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses,” he added.

The Metropolitan Police urges anyone with information relevant to this case to come forward and contact them by calling 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr, to assist in the ongoing investigation.