14 March 2024 , 12:22
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A body recovered from the Thames is feared to be of a teenage student who was reported missing earlier this month.
Samaria Ayanle, 19, was first reported missing to police by university staff on Friday, 8 March. An investigation was launched and CCTV enquiries found Samaria was last seen at her accommodation for the SOAS University of London, close to Marble Arch in the early hours of Thursday, February 22.
A body was earlier pulled from the Thames on the same day in February near Putney Pier, but did not match the description of any other persons reported missing around the time. Finger print checks were also carried out but found to be negative and no personal property was located.
Missing Samaria was finally linked to the body on Wednesday. A spokesman for the Met Police said: “Sadly, detectives believe a body recovered from the water in February is that of missing Samaria. The body was sent to the Coroner to conduct further checks. Details were uploaded onto the UK Missing Persons database in the hopes the person might be identified.
A body was earlier pulled from the Thames on the same day in February near Putney Pier (Corbis via Getty Images)“After Samaria was reported missing, officers linked their enquiries to the 22 February discovery on Wednesday, 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. Samaria's family and friends have been informed of this development. Our thoughts are with them and we will support them at this difficult time.”
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A SOAS spokesperson told the BBC: "We are deeply saddened to hear police have discovered a body which is believed to be of Samaria Ayanle, who was a first-year student at SOAS University of London, studying for a BA in Japanese and the History of Art.
"Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones and friends at this difficult time. We know this news will be felt by many and we will be doing everything we can to support friends, family and the wider student and staff community. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police on 101.”