Salcombe body - it's murder

Woman arrested in London

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body in woods at Salcombe in south Devon.

Mee Kuen Chong, 67, known to friends as Deborah, was found in an area of woodland near Bennett Road in the town on the last Monday in June. She'd been reported missing from her home in London on Friday 11 June. Her death was initially treated as unexplained.

A post mortem examination at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital proved inconclusive, but further enquiries by Devon & Cornwall Police, both in south Devon and London have led to a murder investigation being launched by the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime command.

That's led to the detention of a 36-year-old woman in Kilburn, north London, who is now in custody in the capital.

A crime scene remains in place at the address and within South Devon, where police searches are likely to continue over the coming days.

Ms Kuen Chong was originally from Malaysia but has been living in Wembley for more than 30 years. Her family has been updated about this development and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective chief inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “The discovery of Mee’s body is a tragic development and my thoughts are with her family and friends.

“At this stage, we are working on establishing the full circumstances surrounding Mee’s death and in particular her movements. I would ask anyone who saw her between Thursday 10 June and Sunday 27 June either in London or Devon, who has not yet spoken to police, to please come forward.

“It is absolutely vital that anyone who may have information about Mee’s movements over this period share what they know to help us fully understand what happened to her.”

The incident room number is 0208 358 0300. Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

As is standard procedure, the Met’s directorate of professional standards were informed following the discovery of Ms. Chong's body. A referral has also been made to the IOPC.