Body found in search for Yajaira Castro Mendez – all we know

Screens have been put up on the A31 near Bolderwood after a body was discovered in the area earlier today.

Here is what we know so far.

London woman reported missing to Met Police

Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing to the Metropolitan Police on May 31.

Screens have been put up to hide the scene. (Image: Simon Rowley) She was seen leaving her home in Ilford on the morning of May 29.

The Colombian national’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers.

The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on June 5.

READ MORE: Screens put up on busy dual carriageway after woman’s body found nearby

The family of the Colombian national has been told about the discovery of the body but formal identification has yet to be made.

Officers in white overalls were in attendance.

Cars queue on the A31 as traffic is held. (Image: Simon Rowley) A spokesperson for Met Police said: “Detectives have been carrying out urgent enquiries to find Yajaira’s body and during searches in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire on Saturday, 7 June they found a body.

“A post mortem will be held in due course.”

Man charged with murder

As reported by the BBC, Juan Toledo, 51, who lives in south-east London, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

He was charged with her murder and was remanded into custody, with Met police saying that the man charged was known to Ms Castro Mendez.

In connection to the incident, officers were at a scene in Gray’s Inn Road, Camden, on Friday.

Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.”

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A31 traffic held for 45 minutes

Motorists were forced to get out of their cars and make U-turns on the westbound carriageway of the A31, due to traffic being held for more than 45 minutes.

A man gets out of his car on the A31 as traffic is held. (Image: Simon Rowley) Screens were put up to hide the scene while motorists were stopped.

This was between Stoney Cross and Picket Post.

Traffic stretched back several miles towards the M27 at Cadnam.

A spokesperson for Met police said: “Anyone with information relating to Yajaira’s disappearance is asked to contact police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25.”