Find local news in Kent

Home   Ashford   News   Article

Sarah Everard murder investigation: Police still searching woodland behind Great Chart Golf and Leisure Complex near Ashford

14:43, 15 March 2021

updated: 15:41, 15 March 2021

Police are continuing to search woodland behind an abandoned leisure complex where the body of Sarah Everard was found inside a large builder’s bag.

Eight Metropolitan Police vans are parked in Fridd Lane close to the once-popular Great Chart Golf and Leisure Complex near Ashford, which has been at the centre of the murder probe since Wednesday morning.

More flowers left outside former leisure complex as search continues

A blue shipping container-like structure and portaloo were set up in the quiet country lane last week and officers are still guarding the road today.

Over the weekend, more temporary welfare units were erected on the former leisure complex car park – including a large white marquee.

At the site's entrance, further floral tributes have been laid, with one reading: "in the arms of the angel, fly away from here".

A Metropolitan Police diving unit which arrived in Bears Lane on Thursday is still parked outside the former attraction.

More flowers have been laid at the former leisure complex entrance
More flowers have been laid at the former leisure complex entrance
A police cordon in Fridd Lane
A police cordon in Fridd Lane
New welfare units were set up on the former leisure complex car park over the weekend
New welfare units were set up on the former leisure complex car park over the weekend

But unlike last week, the lane has reopened and no press are outside, with just two police officers guarding the entrance next to the disused nine-hole pitch and putt course.

This morning, a rubbish clearance van was seen leaving the site, with another parked in Fridd Lane next to the eight police vans.

A resident who lives nearby told KentOnline on Friday how the Fridd Lane woodland being searched by police has become a fly-tipping hotspot, particularly during lockdown.

The secluded site is about four miles from Ashford town centre, next to the Charing Cross railway line.

Last week, serving Metropolitan Police constable Wayne Couzens, 48, was charged with kidnapping and murdering Ms Everard, 33, who went missing while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on March 3.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday for his first appearance following his arrest on Tuesday.

The court heard the officer is accused of kidnapping Ms Everard - who was formally identified using dental records - in the Poynders Road area of Clapham.

Ms Everard's mobile phone has not yet been recovered and Couzens, of Deal, will appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow.

Eight police vans were spotted in Fridd Lane this morning alongside a shipping container-like structure and rubbish clearance van. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Eight police vans were spotted in Fridd Lane this morning alongside a shipping container-like structure and rubbish clearance van. Picture: Barry Goodwin
A rubbish clearance van left the leisure complex this morning - and another was parked in Fridd Lane
A rubbish clearance van left the leisure complex this morning - and another was parked in Fridd Lane
Residents have left many tributes in Bears Lane
Residents have left many tributes in Bears Lane
Police have been searching this area since Wednesday; one resident said the Fridd Lane woodland has become a fly-tipping hotspot recently
Police have been searching this area since Wednesday; one resident said the Fridd Lane woodland has become a fly-tipping hotspot recently
Police vehicles are parked next to the site's former driving range
Police vehicles are parked next to the site's former driving range
Marketing executive Sarah Everard was just 33 years old
Marketing executive Sarah Everard was just 33 years old
A diving team truck arrived in Bears Lane on Thursday and is still in place
A diving team truck arrived in Bears Lane on Thursday and is still in place
Flowers have appeared in the lanes around the complex – these tributes are at a Fridd Lane junction
Flowers have appeared in the lanes around the complex – these tributes are at a Fridd Lane junction

Yesterday, police began searching a waterside path and recycling bin in Sandwich as part of their investigation and officers are still working in areas of the town today.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More