Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder of a missing Lewisham woman.

Officers “have reason to believe she has come to serious harm and has likely been killed”.

Maureen Gitau, 24, was reported missing on Saturday, December 10 by her family but was last seen on Monday, December 5 as she left her home in Evelyn Street, Deptford.

She has not been seen since.

Police have also explained that they believe that she has "likely been killed" but that they "have not yet located her body".

On Friday, December 30 police arrested a 54-year-old on suspicion of Maureen’s murder and he remains in police custody.

Officers say they were known to each other.

Police are asking anyone who saw Maureen on Monday, 5 December in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could assist the investigation, to call 101, giving the reference number 3230985/22.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation, said: “This arrest is a significant development in what is now being treated as a murder investigation.

“Whilst we have not located Maureen’s body we have reason to believe she has come to serious harm and has likely been killed.

“Maureen’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.

“This news has come as a terrible shock. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them at this very difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating the disappearance of a woman from Lewisham have arrested a man on suspicion of her murder.

“Maureen Gitau, 24, was reported missing by her family on Saturday, 10 December having last been seen five days earlier, on Monday, 5 December, as she left her home in Evelyn Street, SE8.

“Public appeals were issued for help finding Maureen but she has not been seen or heard from since the day of her disappearance.

“As concerns grew for her wellbeing, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command were brought in to assist and later take on the investigation.

“On Friday, 30 December a 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Maureen’s murder. He remains in police custody.

“Enquiries indicate Maureen and the arrested man knew each other.”