A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was discovered in Havering.
Scotland Yard says although formal identification is yet to take place, the family of 21-year-old Hina Bashir have been informed.
Hina had been reported missing after she was last seen in Ilford last week.
Her family are being supported by specialist officers, the Met said.
A 36-year-old man was arrested after the body was found this morning (Sunday, July 17).
He remains in custody on suspicion of murder.
Police believe the man and Hina were known to each other.
Det Ch Insp Dave Whellams, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: "My thoughts are with Hina’s family who have suffered a terrible loss.
"We will provide them with whatever support we can.
"This has been a fast-moving investigation and a man is in custody.
"As our investigation progresses we will be working to develop our understanding of what happened to Hina, not just in recent days but in the weeks prior to this terrible incident.
"I would urge anyone who believes they have information which could assist us to come forward."
Anyone with information can call police on 101, providing reference number 2674/14JUL, or by contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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