Remains found in the loft space of a house have been formally identified as those of missing teenager Leah Croucher.
The 19-year-old disappeared on her way to work at a finance company in Milton Keynes on 15 February 2019.
A murder investigation was launched last week after the discovery of the remains in a house in the city in Buckinghamshire.
A post mortem examination last week did not uncover her cause of death and investigations are continuing, police said.
Items belonging to Ms Croucher were also found in the property in Loxbeare Drive, Furzton, which is a few minutes away from her home.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of the major crime unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “After a difficult process, we are now in a position to formally confirm that the body found in Loxbeare Drive last week is that of Leah.”
Ms Croucher’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers and updated on every development, Det Supt Brown said.
“The grief and shock of Leah’s family and friends is unimaginable, and they have shown enormous courage, patience and dignity over the last three years and eight months while our search for Leah continued.”
A tribute left by Leah Croucher’s parents
‘Our darkest fears have come true’
Last week Ms Croucher’s parents, Claire and John, laid flowers at the property where her remains were found.
They said they would “cherish her memories forever”, writing in a message: “Our darkest fears have come true, we only need to be apart a little longer. We have so missed you for so long already.
“The future looks so bleak now we know we will never see your smile or hear your laughter again. We will cherish your memories forever. We love you. Mum and Dad xx xx”.
Her grandparents also left roses near the house, along with a handwritten note saying: “Our darling, we will never stop seeking answers. Will love and miss you always.”
Leah Croucher went missing on 15 February, 2019
Missed opportunities to arrest prime suspect
Convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell was named by police this month as the prime suspect in the murder inquiry.
He was found dead on 20 April 2019 after taking his own life.
Police started searching the property on 10 October this year after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public.
Officers had visited the house on two earlier occasions but insisted this was the first time Ms Croucher’s disappearance was linked to the address – despite conducting about 4,000 house-to-house calls.
They changed their investigation from a missing person’s probe to a murder inquiry after discovering the remains.
Neil Maxwell
It has since emerged Maxwell was the only person with keys to the house, which was unoccupied when police were conducting their inquiries.
He was wanted in connection with a sexual assault and used false names and changed his mobile phone and vehicles to avoid police.
The force made a total of 18 attempts to arrest Maxwell – initially at an address in Milton Keynes on 30 November 2018.
Police said if he was alive today, they would be seeking to arrest him.
Mr Brown added: “Our investigations into Leah’s murder will leave no stone unturned and we owe it to Leah’s family to ensure we find the truth.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting Op Innsbruck or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
