Justin Henry: Met launch murder investigation over fears missing man has come to ‘serious harm’

Police have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of a 34-year-old man who they believe has come to “serious harm”.

Justin Henry was reported missing on October 16. He has not been seen or heard from by his family since and they have said this is out of character.

He has links to the Honor Oak area and was last seen in person on the evening of October 15, at his partner’s home in Brixton. 

He was seen on CCTV later that evening buying food at a McDoanld’s drive-thru in London Road, Croydon, at around 10pm.

A spokesman for the Met said: “At this time we believe Justin drove from McDoanld’s to a nearby location in Croydon where his vehicle, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for about two-and-a-half hours.

“The Mercedes was later found in Kingswood Drive, Sydenham Hill. 

“It is unclear who was driving the vehicle when it arrived at Kingswood Drive due to indistinct CCTV images of the driver, but Justin’s family state that it is not him.”

One person has already been arrested in connection with the investigation and has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in January 2024.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wood said: “Sadly, yesterday we had to inform Mr Henry’s family that we are treating his disappearance as a murder investigation. 

“You can only imagine how devastating this will be for all those who love and care for him. 

“I know his loved ones will still be hoping and praying that Justin will still be found safe and well. 

“However, the absence of any proof that Justin is alive, the circumstances around his disappearance, which his family say is totally out of character, and forensic evidence we have gathered, all suggest that he has come to serious harm and may have been murdered.

“Along with his family, we sincerely hope this is not the case, and that is why we are reaching out to the public to help us find out what has happened to him. Please think about the anguish of Justin’s family, and if you have any information that could assist, contact us. 

“Please search you memory, and if you think you can help, then call police, or you can call Crimestoppers – they are totally anonymous and never ask for your name. 

“But however you choose, please do call if you think you have anything that could assist. 

“Don’t worry if you think your information will not be important, it could be the vital piece of the puzzle that helps us find Justin and brings his family the answers they so desperately want, need and deserve.”

The Met said Mr Henry’s family have been informed of the change in the nature of the investigation and they are being supported by specialist officers.

Pictured top: Justin Henry (Picture: The Met)