Body found in search for missing woman Sarah Henshaw, 31, in Derbyshire

26 June 2023, 11:58 | Updated: 26 June 2023, 14:37

A murder investigation is under way following the disappearance of Sarah Henshaw from Ilkeston.
A murder investigation is under way following the disappearance of Sarah Henshaw from Ilkeston. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary

By Emma Soteriou

Police investigating the murder of missing 31-year-old Sarah Henshaw in Derbyshire have found a body.

Police launched a search for Ms Henshaw, 31, who had not been seen since 9pm on Tuesday June 20 at her home address on Norman Street, Ilkeston.

Derbyshire Police said in a statement today: Just after 12am on Monday 26 June officers attended a layby off the westbound carriageway of the A617, close to junction 29 of the M1, where a body believed to be Sarah was discovered.

"Her family have been made aware, are being supported by specialist officers, and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The discovery comes after a murder investigation was launched following a report on Friday 23 June that Sarah had not been seen since 9pm on Tuesday 20 June at her home in Norman Street, Ilkeston.

"A man who was arrested on suspicion of the 31-year-old’s murder remains in police custody and a warrant of further detention has been authorised giving officers more time to question him."

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Derbyshire Constabulary is appealing for anyone that may have CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Transit van in the early hours of Wednesday June 21 around the area of J29 of the M1 and the A617 Chesterfield to come forward.

Anyone with information that may assist police with their investigation is asked to call them on 101 quoting incident number 444 of 23 June.

Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.