34 year old Justin Henry was reported missing on Monday last week.
He was last spotted on CCTV at 9:50 the night before buying food at London Road McDonald’s drive-thru in a silver Mercedes.
Police say the absence of any proof that he is alive haS led them to inform his family that they have launched a murder investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wood, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, 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.”
On Wednesday, the 18th of October, a 27-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of kidnapping; she has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-January 2024.
Officers have conducted forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and Justin’s car, as well as extensive CCTV and phone inquiries.
However detectives say they “desperately” need more information about Justin’s disappearance and the days leading up to him going missing.