More than 30 bunches of flowers were left outside the house on Thursday, October 13, where human remains believed to be those of missing teenager Leah Croucher were found.
A hunt was launched for 19-year-old Leah when she disappeared without trace, three and a half years ago, on February 15, 2019.
Officers had carried out door-to-door inquiries at the time, including in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, Milton Keynes, where the remains were discovered earlier this week.
Following a tip off on Monday the police went back to the detached 4-bedroomed house, which is half a mile from her home, and launched a full -scale search.
The home, which is believed to have been unoccupied, was cordoned off. Officers said they expect to be there for several days.
Leah was last seen at her home in Quantock Crescent, Emerson Valley at 10pm on Valentine’s Day night 2019.
She had left home the next morning for work at a direct debit collection agency in the city, but did not arrive. Her parents Claire and John reported her missing that evening.
There was a sighting of 5 foot 2 inch Leah in Buzzacott Lane in Furzton in the city just after 8.15am on the Friday. She was walking in the direction of Loxbeare Drive and Chaffron Way.
Witnesses also saw a distressed female walking near Furzton Lake, close to the house where the remains were found. The police had previously searched the lake in an attempt to find her.
On Wednesday, October 12, Thames Valley Police said: “During our forensic examinations at the scene in Loxbeare Drive, Milton Keynes, we have identified human remains.The forensic examination continues and will do for some time.
“It is likely to take some time to formally identify the deceased.
“Leah’s family continue to be kept informed and updated. We ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”
Leah’s family have campaigned to find her. Posters and banners appeared in the city and there had been a social media campaign. Her disappearance has also featured on TV’s Crimewatch. In March this year a £20,000 reward for information was put up by the local community.
A poster appealing for help in finding Leah had been stuck to a tree 20 metres from the address where police forensic teams were still working.
Leah’s half-brother Hayden, 24, took his own life in November 2019. He had suffered mental health problems, worsened by Leah’s disappearance.
One message left with the flowers read: “Sorry for your loss you are at peace now with your brother.” Another said: “You were never forgotten and we never gave up.”
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