A CRUCIAL tip from a member of the public helped cops searching for Leah Croucher find human remains after a three year search.
Officers swooped on a home in Furzton in Milton Keynes two days ago – and today a murder investigation was launched.
They also discovered a rucksack and personal possessions belonging to Leah, who disappeared on February 15, 2019, aged 19.
And now the Head of Crime for Thames Valley Police has revealed that the discoveries were down to a tip off.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said: “Following a call to police on Monday, we attended an address and located items of concern within the property.
“We are dealing with a very difficult scene but we can now confirm that we have discovered a number of items that are linked to Leah, and as such, we have now launched a murder investigation, led by our Major Crime Unit.
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“Leah’s family have been kept updated and continue to be supported by officers, and we are urging the public and media to think of her family and not to speculate further while this investigation is in the early stages.
“We will provide further updates when we are able to do so."
Forensic officers have been seen coming in and out of the four-bedroom home on Loxbeare Drive today.
A neighbour said the £500,000 property had been unoccupied for a long period of time after it was rented out.
It is 0.4miles from Buzzacott Lane where Leah's last movements were captured on CCTV.
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Thames Valley Police said it is "likely to take some time" to identify the body.
Leah's family have been informed the development with searches ongoing at the home, which is close to one of the last sightings of the teen.
Tragically, Leah's brother Haydon Croucher, 24, ended his life in 2019 before the breakthrough after being "tortured" by not knowing what happened to his sister.
Leah was last seen on February 15 in Milton Keynes as she walked to work in a finance firm.
She told her family the day before she was meeting a friend but that never happened.
CCTV showed her walking down Buzzacott Lane in Furzton, believed to be in the direction of her work, at about 8.15am the next day.
A huge search was launched with extensive social media appeals and posters pinned up in the area but there have been no confirmed sightings and no leads.
The force said they will remain at the address for a "significant period of time".
They added: “During our forensic examinations at the scene in Loxbeare Drive, Milton Keynes, we have identified human remains.
The forensic examination continues and will do for some time.
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“It is likely to take some time to formally identify the deceased.
“Leah’s family continue to be kept informed and updated. We ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”
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