The body found in a forest is confirmed to be the missing British woman Sarah Everard

UK police have identified a body found in a forest as belonging to the missing woman Sarah Everard.

Deputy Commissioner Nick Ephgrave confirmed that the body had been formally identified as the missing woman on Friday afternoon (early Saturday morning, NZT).

“Specialist officers are in constant contact with his family and have brought them up to date on this terrible news … we continue to support them as best we can in these truly dire circumstances.

A post-mortem examination is now underway, he said.

Everard was last seen on March 3 (local time), walking alone down a street in Clapham, London. He was heading home to Brixton.

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A week after the disappearance, detectives discovered a body Wednesday in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent.

“A Metropolitan Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of Sarah’s murder remains in custody,” Ephgrave confirmed Friday afternoon.

“Our investigation continues with hundreds of officers working around the clock to find out exactly what has happened.

“I know that the public is deeply hurt and angry and I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that we too are horrified.”

Ephgrave said she understood that women in London and beyond, and particularly those in the area where Everard disappeared, would be worried and scared.

“Londoners are likely to continue to see additional officers on the streets in the coming days.

“Please know that our officers are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe.

“Our dedication to serving the people of London has not waned.”