"I want to start by saying that my thoughts and prayers – and those of the whole Met - are with Sarah Everard’s family and all of her many friends at this unimaginably painful time.

"As you know, on Wednesday evening detectives investigating her disappearance very sadly discovered a body in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent.

“I can now confirm this has been formally identified as Sarah. A post-mortem examination is now taking place.

"Specialist officers are in constant contact with her family and have updated them on this terrible news.

“We continue to support them as best we possibly can in these truly dreadful circumstances.

"A Metropolitan Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of Sarah’s murder remains in custody.

"Our investigation continues with hundreds of officers working around the clock to find out exactly what has taken place.

"I know that the public feel deeply hurt and angry and I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that we too are horrified.

"I understand that women in London and the wider public, particularly those in the area where Sarah went missing, will be worried and may well be feeling frightened.

"Londoners are likely to continue to see extra officers on the streets in the coming days.

"Please know our officers are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe. Our dedication to serve the people of London is undiminished."