Headless body of missing pensioner, 67, is found by a dog walker in Devon woodland two weeks after she vanished from her London home - as detectives launch investigation into 'unexplained' death
- Police launched an investigation into the 'unexplained death' after body found
- Mee Kuen Chong, 67, went missing from her Wembley home two weeks ago
- A decapitated body was found in Salcombe, Devon, by a dog walker on Sunday
The headless body of a missing pensioner has been found by a dog walker in Devon woodland two weeks after she vanished from her London home.
Police have launched an investigation into the 'unexplained' death of Mee Kuen Chong, 67, after her body was found in Salcombe on Sunday.
Mee, who is also known as Deborah, was reported missing from her Wembley home on Friday, June 11.
Devon and Cornwall police have described the death as 'unexplained' following the discovery in a wooded area near Bennett Road, Salcombe.
Police said: 'A number of inquiries will be carried out in Salcombe over the coming days, and it is likely that the local community will continue to see a high level of police activity.'
Police have launched an investigation into the 'unexplained' death of Mee Kuen Chong (pictured), 67, after her body was found in Salcombe on Sunday
Police sources said the body had been decapitated.
The police investigation will switch to her London home 220 miles away from where the grey-haired pensioner was found.
One woman staying in a holiday home near the scene, who gave her name only as Diane, said a lot of people were 'frightened' following the discovery.
She said: 'I don't think many people know much about it yet - but it has frightened a lot of people. For Salcombe, something like this is really shocking.
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'We've been coming here for years, and it's the kind of place where you can just let your kids wander down to the shops, and feel safe about it.
'And that woodland, you get people walking their dogs there all the time, at any time of day - even when it's dark. It is really frightening.'
Homeowner Chris Allen, 55, who lets out his house on Devon Road to holidaymakers, described the incident as 'macabre', and said there was 'a weird feeling' among people on the street.
One woman staying in a holiday home near the scene, who gave her name only as Diane, said a lot of people were 'frightened' following the discovery. Pictured, the police cordon
He said: 'It just seems really strange that we have been given so little information so far. We all seem to know so little.
'This area is very popular with holidaymakers - we're actually letting out our house next week. So there is definitely a weird feeling about it all.
'It's all just rumours at the moment - but if it's true that the body was found without a head, that's very macabre.
'Police have asked us if we have seen or heard anything suspicious over the last couple of weeks - which implies the body might have been there for a while.
'But if that's the case, it seems strange that it wasn't found sooner - there are so many dog walkers that walk through there every day.'
Mr Allen added: 'We're not even sure who it was that found the body.
'I have spoken to a few people who actually live around here, but you must get around 30 or 40 dog walkers going through that part of the woodland every morning.'
The police investigation will switch to her London home 220 miles away from where the grey-haired pensioner was found. Pictured, Ms Chong
In a social media post on June 15, Brent Metropolitan Police service said: 'Police need your help to locate MEE (DEBORAH) CHONG who has been reported missing from her home address in Wembley. If seen please call 101 ref 21MIS016922.'
The disappearance prompted a social media response from people concerned for her welfare.
Two weeks after the initial police post, Harrow police shared a fresh appeal on June 24, posting: 'Police need your help to find 67 year old Mee Chong who is missing from her home in Wembley.'
The incident has so far been described as an 'unexplained death' and a police source has confirmed the body was found without a head.
A spokesman said: 'Enquiries remain ongoing into an unexplained death after a body was found in a wooded area near Bennett Road, Salcombe, on Sunday June 27.
'A number of enquiries will be carried out in Salcombe over the coming days, and it is likely that the local community will continue to see a high level of police activity.
The incident has so far been described as an 'unexplained death' and a police source has confirmed that the body was found without a head. Pictured, the scene
'We thank them for their support and if anyone has any information please email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference number 0700 of Sunday 27 June.'
Det Supt Ben Deer said: 'The investigation is ongoing at the scene. It's being treated as unexplained at this time and we remain open minded.'
He said police do not know when she died, her movements between June 10 and when she was found on June 27 - or the circumstances leading up to her death.
He said: 'We are looking to understand her movements between June 10 and June 27 when she was found.
'We would appeal for witnesses and we would look for anyone to come forward with information quoting crime reference number 700 on June 27th by ringing 101 or contacting us on Crimestoppers.'
