A section of the A31 running through the New Forest has been reopened as law enforcement continues its murder investigation following the tragic discovery of a body identified as a missing woman.

Yajaira Castro Mendez, aged 46, was reported missing after leaving her Ilford residence on May 29. The Metropolitan Police received the missing persons report on May 31.

Road closures had been implemented between the M27 and the A338 after authorities located a body, believed to belong to her, in the Bolderwood region on Saturday. The road is now fully operational again.

On Friday, Juan Toledo, 51, from southeast London, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of her murder, and was subsequently remanded in custody.

According to National Highways, the police operation has now concluded, and traffic delays on the A31 are expected to diminish.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Ms. Castro Mendez’s family has been informed about the body’s discovery, which was made during a search by officers in the forest on Saturday.

Formal identification and a post-mortem examination of the remains have yet to be conducted.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Ms. Castro Mendez’s disappearance to reach out to the police.