Brixton, Croydon: Murder investigation launched in case of missing man Justin Henry

Police have launched a murder investigation as the search continues for a man missing from south London for more than a week.

Justin Henry, 34, was reported missing on October 16. He has links to the SE23 area and was last seen in person on the evening of Sunday October 15 at his partner's Brixton home.

CCTV footage later shows him in Croydon.

On Tuesday, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wood, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Sadly, yesterday we had to inform Mr Henry’s family that we are treating his disappearance as a murder investigation. You can only imagine how devastating this will be for all those who love and care for him. I know his loved ones will still be hoping and praying that Justin will still be found safe and well. However, the absence of any proof that Justin is alive, the circumstances around his disappearance, which his family say is totally out of character, and forensic evidence we have gathered, all suggest that he has come to serious harm and may have been murdered.

"Along with his family, we sincerely hope this is not the case, and that is why we are reaching out to the public to help us find out what has happened to him. Please think about the anguish of Justin’s family and if you have any information that could assist, contact us.

"Please search your memory, and if you think you can help, then call police, or you can call Crimestoppers, they are totally anonymous and never ask for your name. But however you choose, please do call if you think you have anything that could assist. Don’t worry if you think your information will not be important, it could be the vital piece of the puzzle that helps us find Justin and brings his family the answers they so desperately want, need and deserve.”

On October 18, a 27-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of kidnapping. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-January 2024.

Police are trying to establish Justin’s movements, in particular late on Sunday October 15, and in the early hours of Monday October 16.

Justin Henry's last known movements

At around 9.50pm on Sunday October 15, Justin was seen on CCTV buying food at a McDoanld’s drive-thru restaurant in London Road, Croydon.

Police believe Justin drove to a nearby location in Croydon, where his vehicle, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for approximately two and a half hours.

The Mercedes was later found in Kingswood Drive, SE19. Officers say it is unclear who was driving the vehicle when it arrived at Kingswood Drive due to indistinct CCTV image of the driver, but that Justin’s family state that it is not him.

Appeal for information

The Met says the police investigation continues and that there are a number of active lines of enquiry.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or message on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD 5224/21102023.

To provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers please call 0800 555 111 or visit its website.