Human remains have been found by police searching for missing Leah Croucher, who vanished in 2019, Thames Valley Police said.
Police have identified human remains during forensic examinations in Loxbeare Drive, Milton Keynes.
The forensic examination continues and will do for some time, and it is likely to take some time to formally identify the deceased, the force said.
Leah’s family continue to be kept informed and updated, and the media have been asked to respect their privacy.
It comes after a murder inquiry was launched by detectives searching for Ms Croucher who has not been seen since 2019.
Officers from Thames Valley Police found a rucksack and personal items belonging to Ms Croucher after a tip-off from a member of the public on Monday.
Ms Croucher, 19, vanished while walking to work in February 2019.
She was last seen on CCTV in Buzzacott Lane, Furzton, just after 8.15am that day, walking in the direction of Loxbeare Drive and Chaffron Way.
Speaking earlier on Wednesday, 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.
“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.
“There remains a scene watch in place at the address while this investigation continues, and we are committed to ensuring that our inquiries at the scene are thorough.”
Leah Croucher
Thames Valley Police
Handout CCTV issued by Thames Valley Police of Leah Croucher arriving for work the day before she went missing
Thames Valley Police