Remains found in house confirmed to be missing teenager Leah Croucher | UK News
Remains found in the loft space of a house have been confirmed to be those of missing teenager Leah Croucher.
Leah Croucher, 19, disappeared on her way to work in Milton Keynes on 15 February, 2019.
A murder investigation was launched last week after the discovery of the remains in a house in the city in Buckinghamshire.
The house in Milton Keynes where Ms Croucher was found
A post mortem examination last week did not uncover her cause of death and investigations are continuing, police said.
Items belonging to Ms Croucher were found in a house in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, which is a few minutes away from her home.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of the major crime unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “After a difficult process, we are now in a position to formally confirm that the body found in Loxbeare Drive last week is that of Leah.”
Ms Croucher’s family continued to be supported by specially trained officers and updated on every development, Mr Brown said.
“The grief and shock of Leah’s family and friends is unimaginable, and they have shown enormous courage, patience and dignity over the last three years and eight months while our search for Leah continued.
A tribute by Leah Croucher’s father John Croucher and Mother Claire Croucher outside a property in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, Milton Keynes, where police have identified human remains during forensic examinations in the search for missing teenager Leah
“Our darkest fears have come true”
Ms Croucher’s parents, Claire and John, laid flowers at the property where her remains were found as they revealed how their “darkest fears had come true”.
They said they would “cherish her memories forever”, writing in a message: “Our darkest fears have come true, we only need to be apart a little longer. We have so missed you for so long already.
“The future looks so bleak now we know we will never see your smile or hear your laughter again. We will cherish your memories forever. We love you. Mum and Dad xx xx”.
Her grandparents also left roses near the house along with a handwritten note saying: “Our darling, we will never stop seeking answers. Will love and miss you always.”
Convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell was named by police earlier this month as the prime suspect in the murder inquiry.
He was found dead on 20 April 2019 after taking his own life.