A lane on the A31 westbound remains closed following the discovery of a woman’s body near the M27 junction, causing severe traffic delays exceeding 45 minutes as police continue their investigation.
One carriageway continues to be shut on the dual carriageway after the body was discovered during the weekend. The A31 westbound section near the M27 remains closed as part of an ongoing police investigation, with National Highways South East providing updates via social media this morning.
The traffic authority stated: “One (of two) lanes closed on the #A31 westbound between J2 of the #M27 and the #A338 at #AshleyHeath near #Ringwood following a Police Led Incident. Please allow extra time for your journey, thank you for your patience.”
The body of Yajaira Castro Mendez was discovered at 6pm on Saturday evening (June 7) beside the A31 westbound at Bolderwood in the New Forest – several miles from where it connects with the M27. Police erected screening to facilitate their scene examination. Significant traffic disruption was reported across the weekend.
Ms Mendez, aged 46, from Ilford in east London, had been reported missing on 31 May. On Friday, a man known to Yajaira appeared before magistrates charged with her murder and was remanded in custody.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the disappearance of Yajaira Castro Mendez have very sadly discovered a body.
“While we await formal identification, Yajaira’s family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers. Yajaira went missing from Ilford on Thursday, 29 May.”
In their latest update issued at 8.28am, National Highways reported approximately five miles of congestion, with delays exceeding 45 minutes.
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