Sarah Wellgreen was last seen on 9 October and officers have not found her remains

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A man has been charged with the murder of a 46-year-old woman who disappeared in early October.

Ben Lacomba, 38, was first arrested over the disappearance of mother-of-five Sarah Wellgreen on 16 October – a week after she went missing. He was re-arrested and charged on Thursday following new information, according to Essex police.

Officers are still searching for Wellgreen’s remains. She was last seen on 9 October in New Ash Green, Kent, and has not been in touch with her family since.

Police said Wellgreen’s car was left at home and there had been no new transactions on her bank or credit cards. Last month, her son Lewis Burdett thanked the public for their support.

He said: “The last month has been a never-ending nightmare and so distressing for our family. We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time, and ask that it continues.

“If there is any comfort to be found during this time, it has been through seeing the support the community has given in the search to find our mum.”

Since her disappearance, officers have searched woodland near the Bluewater shopping centre in Dartford, and areas in Greenhithe near the River Thames.

Divers have also entered the River Darent in Dartford town centre while police and council workers have searched drains and the fire service provided a drone. Hundreds of members of the public have also volunteered to help with searches.

Lacomba is due to appear at Medway magistrates court via video link on Friday at 10am.