Police have sealed off a pathway in Kent as part of their ongoing investigation into the death of Sarah Everard. Met Police detectives have cordoned a large area in Sandwich – 30 miles from the woodland where the body of the missing 33-year-old was discovered. Sarah Everard, 33, went missing in south west London   Officers have been seen along a pathway next to a stream, and have set up a base in the town centre, according to Kent Online. Police would not comment on the new area of investigation, but the local council confirmed that the pathway had been taped off. The new search is focused on a waterside path and recycling bin, according to reports. Locals say that police arrived on blue lights just after 1pm on Sunday afternoon, throwing the area into lockdown.   The council statement read: “Sandwich Town Council is in contact with Kent Police on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in relation to ongoing investigations associated to the murder of Sarah Everard. “Police have requested that residents do not gather trying to ascertain information or details. “The police have cordoned off the Rope Walk between Malcolm Waites Garage/Cow Leas Meadow all the way through the town.” The public has been advised to stay away from the area in order to follow lockdown restrictions. Sarah, 33, was last seen walking home in Clapham, south London on March 3. At about 9pm she left her friend’s house and began walking to her home in Brixton. But her body was found in the woods near Ashford, Kent over a week later – with police formally identifying her the following day using dental records.  

Speaking to reporters outside Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said Met Police were determined to get justice for Sarah after finding the body hidden in woodlands. He said on Friday: “As you know, on Wednesday evening detectives investigating the disappearance of Sarah Everard discovered a body secreted in woodland in Kent. “The body has now been recovered and formal identification procedure has now been undertaken. I can now confirm that it is the body of Sarah Everard.” Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with Ms Everard’s murder and kidnap.   The 48-year-old appeared in court to confirm his name and address during a short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. The court was told Sarah’s body was discovered in a builder’s bag.   Sarah’s family paid tribute to her in a statement released on their behalf by the Metropolitan Police, prior to her body being identified. They said: “Our beautiful daughter Sarah was taken from us and we are appealing for any information that will help to solve this terrible crime.   “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.