A serving police officer has appeared in court today charged with the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard.

Armed diplomatic protection officer Wayne Couzens, 48, was arrested on Tuesday night at his home in Deal.

He appeared in person at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today and has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on March 16.

Couzens arrived at the central London court at 10am in a large blue police van, stepping into the dock around 10:30.

In the dock he wore a grey tracksuit and appeared to have a red wound on the top of his forehead.

Couzens spoke only to confirm his name and personal details, sitting between two plain clothes officers in the dock.

The investigation continues and is being led by Specialist Crime Command detectives who are drawing on expertise and skills from hundreds of colleagues across the Met. They are also being supported by Kent Police.

Couzens' house in Deal remains sealed off by police today.

It has been confirmed a body found in woodland on Wednesday was that of 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah.

Speaking outside Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: "On Wednesday evening detectives investigating Sarah's disappearance discovered a body secreted in woodland in Ashford, Kent.

“I can now confirm this has been formally identified as Sarah. A post-mortem examination is now taking place.

Flowers have been left in Ashford as police continue their inquiries

"Specialist officers are in constant contact with her family and have updated them on this terrible news.

“We continue to support them as best we possibly can in these truly dreadful circumstances."

Read more: All the latest news from Kent.