Police arrest man, 54, on suspicion of murdering Lewisham woman Maureen Gitau, 24

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman who has not been seen since December 5 as she left her south London home. 

Maureen Gitau, 24, was reported missing by her family on Saturday, December 10, five days after she was last seen leaving her house on Evelyn Street, Lewisham. 

Police confirmed Ms Gitau and the man in custody knew each other. 

There have not been any positive sightings of Ms Gitau since December 5 despite public appeals for assistance. 

Maureen Gitau, 24, was reported missing by her family on Saturday, December 10

She was last seen leaving her home on Evelyn Street, SE8 on December 5. Police arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of her murder. Police are yet to recover Ms Gitau’s body

Local officers brought in the Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command for assistance before they took over the investigation when Ms Gitau’s disappearance looked increasingly serious. 

Detectives arrested a 54-year-old man on Friday, December 30 on suspicion of Ms Gitau’s murder. 

He is still in police custody.  

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation. 

She 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.

‘We are asking anyone who knew Maureen and who saw her on Monday, December 5, in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could assist our investigation, to call 101, giving the reference 3230985/22.’

She added: ‘Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.’