Man charged with murder of Coulsdon woman found in woods

By Aline Nassif

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

KILLED: Linda Casey

A man has been charged with the murder of the Coulsdon woman whose body was found in Banstead Woods.

The 54-year-old victim has been named as Linda Casey, from The Drive.

Police have meanwhile appealed for help from dog walkers and pub-goers to piece together the final hours of her lives.

The victim's body was discovered at 11am on Thursday, after family members had reported Miss Casey missing on Monday.

A post mortem discovered found that she had suffered serious head injuries but could not determine a cause of death.

A forensic team and specialist search officers are still examing the scene amongst dense undergrowth in Great Solom's Wood, an area of Banstead Woods.

A black Vauxhall Corsa registered to Miss Casey and found close to Park Road, Banstead, has been recovered for inspection.

Peter Ling, 50, a gardener from Wallington, appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates' Court this morning (Saturday) charged with murder and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 1. No plea has been entered.

He was arrested on the A39 in Somerset on August 12 and taken to Woking Police Station.

Detectives believe people in the area Miss Casey's body was found, last weekend, could help them establish the circumstances leading to her death.

DCI Chris Raymer said: "We believe Linda Casey and her killer knew each other and that they may have parked near the Ramblers Rest pub car park in either a black Vauxhall Corsa or a white Ford Escort van.

"We then think they walked through fields behind the car park, up the nearby hill and into woodland at the top.

"People who were at the pub or walking in the area - perhaps with their dog - may well have seen Linda with another person.

"They may also have heard a struggle or other suspicious sounds in the woodland.

"I would ask anyone who was there over the weekend to take a close look at her picture and think if they remember seeing her. She was wearing a turquoise vest top, a dark blue cardigan, light-blue three-quarter-length jeans and white sandals.

"The pair were most likely in the area between 10am and 6pm on Saturday but I would ask anyone who had contact with Linda anytime after Friday to get in touch."

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should phone Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.