A POLICE officer has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a missing woman.
Sarah Everard, who is from York and went to Durham University, vanished while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on Wednesday March 3.
The Metropolitan Police said the officer had initially been arrested on suspicion of kidnap on Tuesday, and was then further arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.
He was also arrested over a separate allegation of indecent exposure.
The force said he is a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command and his primary duty is uniformed patrol of diplomatic premises.
Missing: Sarah Everard
Officers continue to search locations in London and Kent, including a property in Deal and an area of woodland near Ashford.
Following the arrest of the police officer, the Metropolitan Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Police looking for Ms Everard began searching the area around a former Kent golf course overnight, according to local residents.
Retired farmer Derek Batt, 77, of Fridd Farm, located north of the village of Bethersden, said officers visited his property late on Tuesday.
He told the PA news agency: “They visited last night and had a look around.
“They said they were investigating a missing person. I said ‘is it Sarah that I have seen on TV?’ and she (the officer) said ‘yes’.”
His farm is located almost three miles to the south-west of the Great Chart Golf and Leisure complex, where police can be seen.
Mr Batt said he had not seen any suspicious activity in the area.
Police have closed off Fridd Lane, which is west of the golf course and borders a wooded area.
A 69-year-old woman, who lives near Fridd Lane, said police arrived around midnight.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “Police cars were turning around in our yard and then a helicopter came over about 3am or 4am.
“We just thought they were looking for someone. They didn’t speak to us.”
Boris Johnson’s thoughts are with missing woman Sarah Everard and her friends and family, Downing Street has said.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: “As investigations are ongoing on this case I can’t comment.
“But the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with Sarah and her friends and family.”
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