Body Found in Boot of Car in South London Disappearance Probe

Strategic Insights -

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Justin Henry, 34, in south London have found a body in the boot of a car. The discovery was made during a forensic search of a red Nissan in Purley, near Croydon, where Henry's Mercedes had been found abandoned on October 16. Henry was last seen leaving a McDonald's drive-thru in Croydon on October 15, wearing distinctive jewellery and was reported missing the next day.

Key Takeaways:

  • A body has been found in the boot of a red Nissan during the investigation into Justin Henry's disappearance.
  • The body is yet to be formally identified, but a postmortem examination has been carried out with no cause of death established.
  • Two men, aged 29 and 28, have been charged with murder, and a 27-year-old woman has been bailed on suspicion of kidnapping.
  • The Mercedes in which Henry was last seen was found abandoned on October 16 in Kingswood Drive, SE19.
  • The car was seen arriving at the location just before 1am, but the driver's face is obscured in a CCTV image, leaving the question of who was driving unclear.
  • Detectives believe Henry met up with the people involved in his disappearance at Waddon New Road, near the McDonald's drive-thru, after leaving the restaurant at 9:50 pm.
  • The investigation involves extensive forensic examinations of several locations, as well as CCTV and phone inquiries.

Statistics:

  • 34: the age of Justin Henry when he went missing on October 15.
  • 2.5 hours: the amount of time Henry's Mercedes remained parked on Waddon New Road.
  • 16 October: the day Henry's Mercedes was found abandoned in Kingswood Drive, SE19.
  • 9:50 pm: the time Henry left the McDonald's drive-thru on October 15.
  • 27: the age of the woman arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.
  • 29 and 28: the ages of the two men charged with murder.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police/PA Photograph
  • LBC: interview with Helen Henry, Justin's mother
  • Metropolitan Police: statement from Detective Ch Insp Matt Webb
  • Metropolitan Police: appeal for the public's help in the investigation