Police have reported a major development in the Mee Kuen Chong case overnight.
Mee Kuen Chong, 67, known to friends as Deborah, was found in an area of woodland near Bennett Road in Salcombe, South Devon, on Monday, June 27.
Mee had been reported missing from her home in London on Friday, June 11.
Her death was initially treated as unexplained with enquiries led by Devon & Cornwall Police.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 6, a 36-year-old woman was arrested at a residential address in Kilburn on suspicion of murder.
She remains in custody at a north London police station.
A crime scene remains in place at the address and within South Devon, and police searches are likely to continue there over the coming days.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood said: “The discovery of Mee’s body is a tragic development and my thoughts are with her family and friends.
“At this stage, we are working on establishing the full circumstances surrounding Mee’s death and in particular her movements.
"I would ask anyone who saw her between Thursday, June 10 and Sunday, June 27 either in London or Devon, who has not yet spoken to the police, to please come forward.
“It is absolutely vital that anyone who may have information about Mee’s movements over this period share what they know to help us fully understand what happened to her.”
As is standard procedure, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards were informed following the discovery of Mee’s body.
A referral has also been made to the IOPC ( Independent Office for Police Complaints).
An incident room has now been set up.
Anyone with information should call 0208 358 0300. Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.