Leah Croucher: family's poignant search for answers after 'hopes and dreams' stolen

131022 woman with flowers at Leah search house in Furzton
Members of the public have been leaving candles and flowers at the scene in Furzton where police have discovered human remains Credit: ITV Anglia

The family of Leah Croucher have left poignant tributes to her outside the house where police have discovered human remains.

Leah's family left flowers with a message addressed to their "beautiful darling Leah" saying their "hopes and dreams" of finding her safe and well had been "stolen".

"A new hope for answers and justice is now part of our path to fight ahead. We promise you with all of our hearts we will never ever give up fighting for you."

The message was signed off "all our love, always and forever."

Leah's parents have left a poignant message at the scene Credit: ITV Anglia

A separate bunch of flowers carried a message from Leah's Nan and Grandad saying they would love and miss her always.

The family tributes are part of a sea of bunches of flowers, soft toys and lit candles outside the property in the Furzton area of Milton Keynes.

People from the close-knit community came to remember Leah and pay their respects at the house in Loxbeare Drive.

Tara Maher, who thinks she could have been the last person to see Leah, works in the nearby Tesco and said the atmosphere there had been sombre after Wednesday's developments.

Her flowers carried a label saying: "You were never forgotten and we never gave up."

Her friend Hayley said everyone in the area was feeling the impact of the news that human remains had been discovered nearby.

She said: "We've tried our hardest to help find answers. I just feel for the family, it's heartbreaking. I just don't know how they must be feeling. I just feel bad for them."

Leah Croucher's family have made a number of appeals since she disappeared in 2019 Credit: Family photo

Ian Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, said it was extremely upsetting to learn of the developments in the search for Leah.

He added: "I am in contact with Thames Valley Police about the situation, and will help them in any way I can. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Leah's loved ones at this difficult time."

Candles and soft toys have been left for Leah Croucher outside the home where human remains were found. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Wellwishers arranged their tributes in the shape of the letter L at the edge of the police tape which cordoned off the two-storey brick house and its neighbouring detached property.

A message attached to bundles of flowers and a small teddy bear read: "Sorry for your loss. You are at peace now with your brother."

Ms Croucher's family was struck by further tragedy when her brother, Haydon, died at the age of 24 in November 2019.

One message among the flowers read: "Leah, sleep tight darling. You are at peace now."

Another said: "Rest easy Leah, taken far too soon. Time for your parents to take you home baby girl. All our condolences."

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation after human remains were found at the property on Wednesday.

Ms Croucher, who was 19 when she went missing, was last seen on CCTV in Buzzacott Lane, Furzton, on 15 February 2019.

Thames Valley Police have made a renewed appeal for information following what they described as "this significant development".

They said their thoughts were with Leah's family at what was a distressing time for them.

Police have found human remains at a house in Furzton, Milton Keynes. Credit: ITV News Anglia

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