The gruesome discovery of dismembered human remains in the River Wandle in Mitcham yesterday have been confirmed as being those of Sarah Mayhew, the Croydon woman found murdered in April.

Crime scene: the River Wandle in Ravensbury Park, where body parts of Sarah Mayhew were found yesterday

Police established a crime scene at Rawnsley Avenue, in Ravensbury Park, after an emergency call from a member of the public just after 2pm yesterday.

The Metropolitan Police have this morning confirmed that the body parts were of Mayhew.

Mayhew’s arms, legs and head were found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, on April 2, but the police continued to search for the victim’s torso.

Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, were arrested on April 6 and subsequently charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial.

The Old Bailey heard that both she and Sansom are alleged to have killed Mayhew at a residential property on the night of March 8. Watts and Sansom face a plea hearing on June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from February 17 next year.

Murder victim: Sarah Mayhew

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “My thoughts remain with Sarah’s family. We will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.

“I expect my officers to remain in the area for some time as they carry out important work at the scene.

“Two people arrested, who were known to Sarah, were later charged with her murder. At present we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr.

Inside Croydon – If you want real journalism, delivering real news, from a publication that is actually based in the borough, please consider paying for it. Sign up today: click here for more details

• If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com

• As featured on Google News Showcase

• We offer FREE ads to community groups when they have members who are paid subscribers to Inside Croydon

• Our comments section on every report provides all readers with an immediate “right of reply” on all our content. Our comments policy can be read by clicking here

• Inside Croydon is a member of the Independent Community News Network

• Inside Croydon works together with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, as well as BBC London News and ITV London

• ROTTEN BOROUGH AWARDS: In January 2024, Croydon was named among the country’s rottenest boroughs for a SEVENTH successive year in the annual round-up of civic cock-ups in Private Eye magazine