Three men have been arrested after a man’s body was found in the woods in Essex.
It is suspected that the deceased – in his 40s – and a woman in her 30s “disobeyed them in a vehicle” in north London on Thursday night, Scotland Yard said.
Although the body was found in Essex, the Met Police have taken charge of the investigation as it is believed the man died in Greater London.
The woman was found and “unharmed”, police said. She and the man knew each other.
The body was found near the Oakwood Hill Industrial Park in Loughton just before noon Saturday.
Essex Police said his death was being treated as suspicious.
Scotland Yard said it was alerted shortly before 2pm on Friday – receiving reports that the man and woman were missing at an address in Enfield, and were last seen the night before.
“Detectives believe the man reported missing is the man found in Loughton,” the Met said in a statement.
“An autopsy and official identification will take place in due course.”
Three men were arrested in Kent and remain in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, from the Met’s Special Crimes Bureau, said: “This is a very complex and fast-paced investigation, involving multiple units across (Met), as well as the invaluable support from our colleagues in Essex Police.
“While the investigation is still in its early stages, a key point of the investigation is that the man and woman were executed against their will in a vehicle on Thursday night.”
Ms Kieran is urging anyone who was at Ebony Crescent in Enfield on Thursday night and who may have seen something to get in touch.
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, from Kent and Essex Serious Crime, said: “The Met Police will currently lead this investigation but we will continue to support them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
