A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 33-year-old Sarah Everard.
In a statement published shortly before midnight tonight (March 10), police confirmed the officer was arrested this evening at an address in Kent.
A woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in custody.
The Met’s Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave described the development as ‘shocking and deeply disturbing’.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said the investigating team continued to do ‘everything we can’ to find the marketing executive who vanished while walking from Clapham to Brixton last Wednesday night.
“This is a significant development in our inquiry,” she 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.”
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: “The arrest this evening is a serious and significant development.
“We will continue to work with all speed on this investigation but the fact that the arrested man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing.
“I understand there will be significant public concern but it is essential that the investigative team are given the time and space to continue their work.”
Anyone with information, or dashcam footage from around 9.30pm in the Poynders Road area, should call the Met’s Incident Room on 0208 785 8244, share information via the Major Incident Portal or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
READ MORE: Renewed appeal for dashcam footage five days after disappearance