Body found in missing couple hunt

Farik Farukh disappeared two days after Inga Losiene

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Lithuanian-born mother-of-two have discovered a body in the boot of a car.

Inga Losiene, 32, was last seen near her home in Southend, Essex on 27 May.

Her partner, Farik Farukh, 32, an Iraqi Kurd, disappeared two days later after taking her two children to friends.

The car, which police say is "of interest" to their inquiry, was found near Southend East railway station on Sunday night with a body in the boot.

Riviera Drive, where the car was found, has been cordoned off and police are to carry out a detailed search of the area.

The car will be examined by forensic experts, and a post-mortem examination is to take place later.

Member of the public

A police spokeswoman said on Monday officers were linking the discovery of a body in the boot of a car with the disappearance of Ms Losiene.

She said the body was found in the car at around 2230 BST on Sunday and police had been directed to the car by a member of the public.

Officers spent part of the weekend examining the couple's house in York Road and took away items.

Forensic tests have also been carried out on Mr Farukh's Rover car, which was found abandoned on the A14 in Suffolk the day before he disappeared.

They have appealed for anyone with any information about Mr Farukh's whereabouts to contact them.