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The Metropolitan Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping in the United Kingdom yesterday, in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Everard, has now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
The suspect, Wayne Couzens, is a 48-year-old father of two and a diplomatic protection officer stationed in Westminster, where his primary job was to perform uniformed patrols.
The Sun reports his work saw him provide protection at “major public events attended by senior members of the royal family”.
Police arrested him at his home in Kent last night. They also arrested a woman on suspicion of “assisting an offender”.
Ms Everard was last seen a week ago, on Wednesday night, when a camera captured her walking home from her friend’s house in southwest London at about 9:30pm. The 33-year-old was en route to her flat in a nearby residential district, Brixton, but never arrived.
Her family said her disappearance was “totally out of character” and her phone was not ringing when called.
Police launched a large scale search operation, and appealed to the public for help.
RELATED: ‘Deeply disturbing’ arrest over woman’s disappearance
In a statement today, the Metropolitan Police announced Mr Couzens had been arrested again on suspicion of murder, as well as an unrelated allegation of indecent exposure.
“A man arrested in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Everard remains in custody at a London police station,” the Met said.
“The man, who is aged in his 40s, was arrested on the evening of March 9 on suspicion of kidnap. Today he has been further arrested on suspicion of murder and a separate allegation of indecent exposure.
“The man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. His primary role was uniformed patrol duties of diplomatic premises.
“A woman, who is aged in her 30s, was also arrested on the evening of March 9 on suspicion of assisting the offender. She remains in custody.
“Officers are searching locations in London and Kent including a property in Deal and an area of woodland near Ashford.
“Following the arrest of the police officer, the Metropolitan Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
Speaking to reporters this morning, Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said the suspect was believed not to have been on duty at the time of Ms Everard’s disappearance.
“This is a serious and significant development in our search for Sarah,” he said of the two arrests.
“And the fact that the man who’s been arrested is a serving officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing. I recognise the significant concern this will cause.
“It’s really important that the investigation team are given time to find Sarah, and they are working at all speed to do so.
“I would also like to thank all members of the public who’ve come forward since we made our appeal to give information. Every piece of information is important to us, and I would reissue that request now, that anyone who thinks they may know anything about Sarah’s disappearance please come forward.
“As a father myself, of four young women, I can only imagine the anguish that Sarah’s family are feeling at this very, very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire organisation, are with them now.”
According to The Sun, a police helicopter has been seen hovering over an area of woodland in Kent today, near Ashford.
It was flying low around the former Great Chart Golf and Leisure complex, which has been cordoned off. A forensics van was seen entering the site.
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