A new search focussing on a waterside path and recycling bin has been opened by police investigating the death of Sarah Everard.

Met Police teams have today cordoned off a part of the pathway alongside a stream in Sandwich in relation to the ongoing investigation.

A statement from the town council confirmed the Rope Walk is taped off between the Malcolm Waites Garage and Cow Leas Meadow in the town centre.

Officers have been seen combing along the pathway and have set up a command base in the Guildhall car park in the town centre.

KentOnline reporter Sean Axtell, who is at the scene, said: "Half the Guildhall car park is cordoned off and there are about six police officers there.

"There's two police vans, this cordon runs a good 50 metres, with the entrance to the Rope Walk blocked off.

"There's no movement around the entrances, all is still.

"At the garage end it's about 20 metres wide towards the water.

"I'm told police raced down and were seen arriving on blue lights and have not been letting anyone through.

"One officer is guarding the entrance from the town.

"There's at least 14 officers here and that's just on the public side of the cordon.

"There's a small separate cordon taping off a large recycling bin next to the Guildhall car park."

The public has been advised to stay away from the area in order to follow lockdown restrictions.

The council statement read: "Sandwich Town Council is in contact with Kent Police on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in relation to ongoing investigations associated to the murder of Sarah Everard.

"Police have requested that residents do not gather trying to ascertain information or details.

"The police have cordoned off the Rope Walk between Malcolm Waites Garage/Cow Leas Meadow all the way through the town."

Serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, from Deal, appeared in court yesterday for the first time charged with murder and kidnap.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address during the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The court heard the body of the marketing executive had been found wrapped in a builder's bag and she had to be identified through dental records.

The armed diplomatic service officer is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday this week.

Sarah's body was found in woodland in Great Chart near Ashford on Wednesday.

Police have been searching at Couzen's home address in Freemen's Way, Deal and at the former BCB Garage in Dover, where he worked as a mechanic.

Officers remained at the property in Deal but have today left the garage in Dover.

Searches have also taken place in woodland near Betteshanger Country Park.

Sarah, 33, was last seen walking home in Clapham, south London on March 3.

Met Police confirmed searches are ongoing but have not revealed any further details.

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