Libby Squire death being treated as 'potential homicide'
The University of Hull student had been missing since 1 February before her body was found on Wednesday.
Friday 22 March 2019 17:42, UK
The death of student Libby Squire is being treated as a "potential homicide", police have said.
The 21-year-old had been missing for more than six weeks until her body was found in the Humber Estuary on Wednesday.
A man was arrested on suspicion of abduction on 6 February, but he has only been charged with unrelated offences so far.
Pawel Relowicz, 24, has appeared in court accused of voyeurism, outraging public decency and burglary.
University of Hull student Miss Squire, originally from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was dropped off by a taxi driver near her home at 11.29pm on 31 January.
She had just returned from The Welly nightclub in Hull.
The student was last seen alive at about 12.05am on 1 February and her body was not found until Wednesday 20 March.
Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley said: "In regards to our investigation, while we have considered throughout the missing person inquiry that Libby may have come to some harm, Libby's death and the recovery of her body now leads us to solely investigate as a potential homicide.
"The post-mortem examination concluded late last night and at this stage, we will not be releasing any results for investigative and operational reasons."
Miss Squire's parents described the weeks she had been missing as "unending torture" in February.
They added that they had "unending hope" their daughter would be found.
Mr Smalley added: "Our thoughts remain today with Libby's family and friends at this incredibly sad and devastating time for them.
"The loss of a loved one is always an upsetting and traumatic experience to go through, but the circumstances surrounding Libby's death will only intensify the heartache for her family.
"Specially trained officers continue in supporting Libby's family and we will do all we can to provide further support and assistance to them in any way we are able to."
Mr Smalley said an inquest into Miss Squire's death will open at Hull Coroner's Court on Monday.