UPDATED: Detectives searching for a missing woman have discovered a dead body in Oxhey Woods this morning.

The body has yet to be identified but the announcement was made by police searching for Kate Beagley, who has been missing from her home in Surrey since Wednesday.

The 32-year-old, from Walton-on-Thames, was reported missing after going out with a man in west London.

Surrey Police say they are now treating the disappearance as a murder investigation.

Superintendent Jerry Westerman said a 27-year-old man is in custody helping police with their enquiries.

"Our priority has been to try to locate her safe and well, but sadly, as a result of our investigation, the body of a woman has been found," Supt Westerman said.

"We have informed the family of Kate Beagley about the discovery of a body, and our thoughts are with Kate's family at this difficult time.

"A postmortem has yet to begin, and until this has taken place, we will be unable to confirm the cause of death. This will take place in Hertfordshire."

Local residents walking their dogs this morning found their usual entrance to the woods along Oxhey Drive South had been sealed off with blue and white police tape, which surrounded the entire car park.

A gated road leading to a private estate was also cordoned off.

Police officers from Surrey and Hertfordshire stood guard outside a large white tent that concealed the body, found on the right side of the car park, before a forensic team began examining the scene at around 11.30am.

Nelly and Barry Kirk, from Watford Road, were taking their dog Portia for a stroll when they found the police investigation, and the national media, on their doorstep.

Barry said: "This is a car park, it's not an area that has any real problems. There's a little flytipping. Most people come here in cars with dogs, particularly at this time of the morning. It's usually very busy in the day.

"I just cannot believe it. It will change the whole feeling of the woods."

Kate was last seen by her dad on Wednesday, May 30 at around 6.30pm.

It is believed she went to meet a date at the CC Club in Piccadilly Circus.

The sales manager then called a friend at 8.20pm saying she was in Chiswick and texted another friend at 8.50pm saying she was in Richmond.

Kate's car was last spotted on Chiswick Bridge at around 11.58pm on that day - and it is thought she may have visited the Chiswick, Richmond and Twickenham areas.

Officers, who had been searching for her car, say they found the vehicle, and another they had been looking for in Harlesden.

Supt Westerman added: "There are a number of potential crime scenes being investigated, and Surrey Police is keen to appeal for sightings of Kate and the man she was with.

"We believe Kate and the man may have called at the Roebuck pub during Wednesday evening, and may have crossed the road to the terrace and park area opposite.

"We would welcome any information from members of the public who may have seen any activity out of the ordinary, or who have seen Kate or a man fitting the description, or her grey VW Golf that evening.

"We are also very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the couple later that evening in or around Oxhey Woods."

Police today confirmed they were combing Petersham Meadows on Richmond Hill for clues in connection with the case.

Pals had set up a group titled Help Find Kate on social networking site Facebook. The group currently has more than 1,000 members.

Friend Camilla Corsan said the support from the site's users had been overwhelming.

  • Anyone who thinks they may have seen Kate, described as white, 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in, medium build with straight brown collar length on Wednesday evening or her car is urged to contact Surrey Police on 01483 630120.