Sadly, detectives believe that a body recovered from the water in February is that of missing Samaria Ayanle.

Samaria’s family and friends have been informed of this development. Our thoughts are with them and we will support them at this difficult time.

The 19-year-old was first reported missing to police by university staff on Friday, 8 March.

An investigation was launched and CCTV enquiries found that Samaria was last seen at her university accommodation near to Marble Arch in the early hours of Thursday, 22 February.

A proactive appeal was issued yesterday.

On Thursday, 22 February at 08:19 hours, police were called by a member of the public to a body on the north foreshore near Putney Pier.

The body was recovered. No personal property was found.

Officers conducted finger print tests but these were negative.

Police checked recent missing persons reports but the body did not match the description of any other persons reported missing around that time.

The body was sent to the Coroner to conduct further checks. Meanwhile details were uploaded onto the UK Missing Persons database in the hopes the person might be identified.

After Samaria was reported missing officers linked their enquiries to the 22 February discovery on Wednesday, 13 March. They have viewed body-worn video from then and believe the person found is Samaria.

Formal identification awaits

Samaria’s death is being treated as unexplained, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information that could help police should call 101 ref 01/60807/24. You can also share via @MetCC on X.

Officers were appealing for information about the whereabouts of a missing woman from Westminster.
Samaria Ayanle was last seen at her university accommodation near to Marble Arch in the early hours of Thursday, 22 February.
The 19-year-old was reported missing on Friday, 8 March and an investigation was launched.
Officers have been in touch with Samaria’s family and have carried out a number of enquiries.
They were growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and  encouraging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact police.