THE body of a young murder victim found badly decomposed in Northfleet is almost certainly that of missing 14-year-old Hannah Williams, police said today.

Detectives are still awaiting confirmation from DNA tests but Det Ch Insp Colin Murray said: “Following close examination of the young woman’s clothing and dental records, and in close consultation with the North Kent coroner, we believe this is Hannah Williams.

“Her family has been informed and we now need help in tracing her movements and anyone who knew her.” Hannah’s tarpaulin-wrapped body was disturbed by a workman clearing scrubland in a JCB. It was found on Friday, March 15, at the Blue Circle cement works in Springhead Road, Northfleet.

It is believed she may have been strangled, as a piece of rope was found inside the tarpaulin, although a post mortem proved inconclusive.

Hannah disappeared from her home in Deptford, south London, on Saturday, April 21, 2001 and was reported missing by her family. She lived with her mother and was last seen at 11am. She said she was going to the shops in Deptford.

Det Ch Insp Murray added: “Everything points to this young woman being Hannah Williams, however we are still awaiting the results of DNA tests to confirm this. Those tests will take a number of weeks but in the meantime it is essential that we learn everything there is to know about Hannah."

Anyone with information is asked to telephone the incident room on 01302 289600 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

A South London man in his 50s who was arrested in connection with Hannah’s murder on Saturday was released without charge on Tuesday evening.