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Ben Lacomba charged with murder of ex-partner Sarah Wellgreen

The former partner of a woman missing for more than two months has been charged with her murder.

Ben Lacomba, 38, was arrested on suspicion of murdering Sarah Wellgreen from New Ash Green earlier this morning.

He was arrested again by detectives on suspicion of killing her having initially been arrested and bailed in October.

Ben Lacomba has been charged with murdering Sarah Wellgreen
Ben Lacomba has been charged with murdering Sarah Wellgreen

The charge comes after police revealed in October they were treating her disappearance as a potential murder investigation, despite no trace of her being found.

Miss Wellgreen disappeared from her home in New Ash Green on Tuesday, October 9.

She has not been in contact with her family since then and her mobile phone is missing.

Police have been searching her house in Bazes Shaw all day.

A police dog handler going into Bazes Shaw in New Ash Green earlier today. Picture: Chris Davey
A police dog handler going into Bazes Shaw in New Ash Green earlier today. Picture: Chris Davey
Police at Bazes Shaw in New Ash Green today. Picture: Chris Davey
Police at Bazes Shaw in New Ash Green today. Picture: Chris Davey

Several police vehicles were parked near the address and officers were seen inside the property.

Miss Wellgreen, who turned 47 last Friday, was last seen in Bazes Shaw in New Ash Green where she lives.

Her car was left at her home address and since she disappeared, there have been no new transactions on her bank or credit cards.

Head of major crime Det Supt Paul Fotheringham said Sarah's disappearance was "entirely out of character" and, after conducting "extensive inquiries and searches" the case was being treated as a potential murder.

Sarah Wellgreen was last seen on Tuesday, October 9, in the Bazes Shaw area of New Ash Green
Sarah Wellgreen was last seen on Tuesday, October 9, in the Bazes Shaw area of New Ash Green

Last week, her son Lewis Burdett said a happy birthday to "the most amazing woman I have ever known, my mum Sarah Wellgreen".

He has described the months since she has been missing as a "never ending nightmare" and pleaded for people to keep reposting appeals to find her on social media.

Officers had been searching areas of woodland for weeks along with people living in the village who have volunteered to help search.

Police said this morning a man in his 30s who was arrested in October has been arrested again on suspicion of her murder.

Lacomba is due to appear by video link before magistrates tomorrow morning.

Police said the search for Miss Wellgreen is ongoing.

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