Unidentified body found near Putney pier believed to be missing student Samaria

Police believe that a body recovered from the Thames in February is that of Samaria Ayanle, who had been reported missing.

Samaria’s family and friends have been informed of the development.

The Met issued a statement saying: “Our thoughts are with them and we will support them at this difficult time.”

The 19-year-old, from Westminster, was first reported missing to police by university staff on Friday, March 8.

An investigation was launched and CCTV enquiries found that Samaria was last seen at her university accommodation near to Marble Arch in the early hours of Thursday, February 22.

An appeal was issued yesterday.

On Thursday, February 22 at around 8.20am, police were called by a member of the public to a body on the north foreshore near Putney Pier.

The body was recovered. No personal property was found.

Officers conducted finger print tests but these were negative.

Police checked recent missing persons’ reports but the body did not match the description of any other people reported missing around that time.

The body was sent to the coroner to conduct further checks. Meanwhile, details were uploaded on to the UK Missing Person database in the hope the person might be identified.

After Samaria was reported missing, officers linked their enquiries to the February 22 discovery on March 13. They have viewed body-worn video from then and believe the person found is Samaria.

Formal identification awaits.

Samaria’s death is being treated as unexplained, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information that could help police should call 101 ref 01/60807/24. You can also share via @MetCC on X.

Pictured top: Samaria Ayanle (Picture: The Met)