Serving Met police officer arrested in connection with missing woman
Sarah Everard went missing last Wednesday evening
A serving police officer in the Metropolitan Police force has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Everard.
33-year-old Ms. Everard, who lives in London, went missing last Wednesday evening after leaving a friend’s house to return home. The last known sighting of her was at 9.30pm on the same day, when she was spotted on CCTV.
The man was arrested at an address in Kent.
A woman was also arrested at the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Both suspects remain in custody.
Officer not on duty at time of Sarah's disappearance
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave described the arrests as “a serious and significant development” in the inquiry and ongoing search for Sarah.
He confirmed that their inquiries suggested that the officer arrested was not on duty at the time of Sarah’s disappearance.
Speaking outside Scotland Yard, Mr Ephgrave said: “The fact that the man who has been arrested is a serving Metropolitan police officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing.
“I recognise the significant concern this will cause.”
Meanwhile in a statement on Tuesday evening, Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are doing everything we can to find Sarah.
"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."
Police search home and woodland in Kent
Following the arrests, police are searching a home and woodland in Kent.
A tent has been put up outside a house in Deal and a car has been removed from the property.
According to police they are searching numerous locations in Kent, however they did not give further details.
Ms. Everard’s family have been informed of the developments.