HUMAN remains have been found as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Sarah Everard, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has confirmed.

Detectives searching for the missing York woman made the grim discovery in a woodland in Ashford, Kent.

The 33-year-old marketing executive, who studied at Durham University, has been missing since Wednesday March 3 after walking back from a friend's house in Clapham, to her home in Brixton.

Last night a serving Metropolitan Police officer was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and later of murder.

Cressida Dick said: "This evening detectives and search teams investigating Sarah's disappearance have found, very sadly, what appears to be human remains in an area of woodland in Ashford in Kent.

"Sarah's disappearance in these awful and wicked circumstances are, I know, every family's worst nightmare.”

Ms Dick said investigators have not been able to confirm the victim's identity and said it "may take some considerable time".

She said specialist officers are assisting Ms Everard's family.

Commissioner Dick tried to assure the public that "it is incredibly rare for a woman to be abducted from our streets", but that people, and particularly women, may be feeling understandably "worried and scared".

She said there would be an increased police presence in both Kent and London, where searches have been going on.

The Met received more than 120 calls and were able to search over 750 homes as part of the investigation.

She said: “We are deeply grateful to all those many, many people who came forward with information that has assisted us “My thoughts tonight are with Sarah, her family and her loved ones.”

The arrested officer, who was not on duty at the time of Ms Everard's disappearance, is also being held on a separate allegation of indecent exposure.

A woman was taken into custody from the same address and is being held at a London police station on suspicion of assisting an offender.