Body sparks murder investigation

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Police searching for a woman reported missing from her home in Surrey have launched a murder hunt after a body was discovered in woods in Hertfordshire.

Kate Beagley, 32, from Nelson Close, Walton-on-Thames, disappeared after going on a date on 30 May in the Twickenham area of west London.

The body of a woman, that has not yet been formally identified, was found on Monday morning at Oxhey Woods, Oxhey.

A 27-year-old man was being held in custody, on suspicion of murder.

Surrey Police said the man was initially held over the weekend on suspicion of kidnap, and was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder.

'Difficult time'

Supt Jerry Westerman said: "Kate was reported to Surrey Police as a missing person, and from the start, we have taken this extremely seriously.

"Our priority has been to try to locate her safe and well, but sadly, as a result of our investigation, the body of a woman has been found.

"We have informed the family of Kate Beagley about the discovery of a body, and our thoughts are with Kate's family at this difficult time."

Police have erected a tent over an area of Oxhey Woods

Miss Beagley was reported missing on Thursday evening by her father after she did not turn up for work and missed appointments.

Police believe she had visited the Chiswick and Richmond areas of west London on Wednesday night.

They have urged anyone who saw her with a man, described as being black and in his 20s, at the Roebuck pub in Richmond Hill or the park area opposite, to contact them.

Police said they were also keen to speak to anyone who saw the couple in or around Oxhey Woods later that evening.

Miss Beagley was also believed to have met a man at the CC Club in Piccadilly, central London the previous week.

Two cars being sought by police in connection with Miss Beagley's disappearance have been found in Harlesden, north-west London.

Internet appeal

The scene where the woman's body was found is next to the car parking area of a nature reserve.

Officers in Surrey said they were now working with their colleagues from the Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Worried friends set up a "Help find Kate" page on the social networking website Facebook.

It displayed photos of the missing woman along with pleas to help find out what had happened to her.

Miss Beagley's friends have handed out appeal posters featuring her picture.

Miss Beagley has worked for British Gas for the past 10 years.