Police investigating the disappearance of missing mum Janelle Duncan-Bailey have discovered a body.

The body was found in a car in Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath, earlier today.

Although formal identification has yet to take place, police are confident the body is that of Miss Duncan-Bailey.

Next of kin have been informed and a post mortem will be scheduled in due course.

The street is close to Limpsfield Avenue, where the mum-of-two was last seen between 5am and 5.30am on January 2.

A 30-year-old man was arrested last night on suspicion of her murder and remains in custody at a south London police station.

Miss Duncan-Bailey, of Pawsons Road, a 25-year-old care support worker, was last seen after making arrangements to leave her two children with a friend in Bromley while she attended a family function.

She left a friend's house at 4am to return home to Thornton Heath.

Police said they were aware Janelle had visited her ex partner’s home in Thornton Heath at 4.30am that morning.

Officers were called and Janelle agreed to leave the address with police.

It is believed she asked to be taken to another friend’s address in Limpsfield Avenue, where she was last seen walking towards a block of flats between 5am and 5.30am.

She was reported missing at 4.22pm after failing to collect her two sons who are aged two and seven.

Miss Duncan-Bailey was last seen wearing a distinctive short-sleeved leopard-skin print dress; she was also not wearing any shoes at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Charles King of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command is leading the investigation.

He said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the Limpsfield Avenue area between 5am and 6am to make contact with us.

“Lots of people would have been out and about at that time of the morning, either on their way to work or walking dogs - they may have noticed a woman dressed so distinctively.

“Did you see a black woman around that time wearing a leopard-skin print dress and no shoes? If so, we want to hear from you."

Anyone who can assist is asked to call the Specialist Crime Directorate based at Sutton police station on 020 8721 4054 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you know Janelle Duncan-Bailey? Leave your tributes below or email hmcw@london.newsquest.co.uk