TRAGIC FIND
Leah Croucher: Human remains found in search for missing teen, 19, three years after she vanished, murder cops confirm
HUMAN remains have been found by police searching for missing teen Leah Croucher three years after she vanished.
Officers swooped on a home in Furzton in Milton Keynes two days ago after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public.
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They confirmed today human remains have been found with a murder investigation launched.
Officers also discovered a rucksack and personal possessions belonging to Leah, who disappeared on February 15, 2019, aged 19.
Thames Valley Police said it is "likely to take some time" to identify the body.
Leah's family have been informed of the development with searches ongoing at the home, which is close to one of the last sightings of the teen.
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Tragically, Leah's brother Haydon Croucher, 24, in 2019 before the breakthrough after being "tortured" by not knowing what happened to his sister.
Head of Crime for Thames Valley Police, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, said: “Clearly this is a very significant update in our enquiries and as a result, we have launched a murder investigation, led by our Major Crime Unit.
"This remains a difficult and challenging scene and there continues to be a scene-watch in place at the address while this investigation continues.
“We are committed to ensuring that our enquiries at the scene are thorough and respectful, therefore we could be at the scene for some time.
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“Our thoughts remain with Leah’s family and friends at what is naturally a very distressing time for them."
Leah was last seen on February 15 in Milton Keynes as she walked to work in a finance firm.
She told her family the day before she was meeting a friend but that never happened.
CCTV showed her walking down Buzzacott Lane in Furzton, believed to be in the direction of her work, at about 8.15am the next day.
A huge search was launched with extensive social media appeals and posters pinned up in the area but there have been no confirmed sightings and no leads.
Forensic officers have been seen coming in and out of the four-bedroom home on Loxbeare Drive today.
It is understood the items Leah was last seen carrying - including her phone and backpack - were found in an upstairs room or loft.
A neighbour said the £500,000 property had been unoccupied for a long period of time after it was rented out.
It is 0.4miles from Buzzacott Lane where Leah's last movements were captured on CCTV.
The house is also near Furzton Lake, where the teen's phone left the network - consistent with it being destroyed - at 8.34am.
Three people said they saw a woman "crying" at the side of the water - although it was never confirmed if this was Leah.
Divers searched the lake as part of the massive missing person's inquiry but no trace of Leah was found.
Timeline of Leah's disappearance
February 15 2019 - Leah Croucher is reported missing after last being seen in Furzton.
February 18 2019 - Cops release CCTV of Leah.
September 25 2019 - Crimewatch re-enacts Leah’s disappearance.
October 9 2019 - Viewers get in contact saying they saw Leah Walking at the Blue Lagoon lake in Bletchley, Milton Keynes. Cops search the area but nothing is found.
February 15 2020 - On the anniversary of her disappearance cops double the reward amount for information to £10,000.
October 10 2021 - A web sleuth discovers an image resembling Leah 18 miles from where she was last seen.
October 12 2022 - Cops launch a murder probe after human remains and Leah's belongings are found in a house in Furzton
Cops also used dogs, drones and helicopters to scour every inch of the route Leah would have walked as well as the surrounding area.
Leah's disappearance spawned a number of theories over the years as it gripped web sleuths.
The force said they will remain at the address for a "significant period of time".
They are now appealing for anyone who was in the area on or around Febraury 15, 2019, to get in touch.
Those with CCTV from the time are also being urged to come forward.
DCS Hunter said: "“Throughout the course of the last three and a half years, we have made numerous appeals for information and we are grateful to those who have been able to assist.
“But I am now making a renewed, and specific appeal, to anybody who believes that they may have been in the area of Loxbeare Drive on or around 15 February 2019 and has any information which may be relevant to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.
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“I appreciate the passage of time that has passed, but we remain hopeful that somebody may have a crucial piece of information particularly given this significant development today."
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 43190049929 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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