The body of a student reported missing for several weeks has been recovered from water, officers believe.
Samaria Ayanle, 19, was last seen near her university accommodation in Marble Arch in the early hours of February 22.
She was reported missing by university staff last Friday, March 8.
Police were alerted to a body found on the same day on the north foreshore near Putney Pier.
Although the body is yet to be formally identified after being checked against missing person reports, officers believe it to be Ayanle after reviewing body worn video footage.
No personal property was found on the body, and fingerprint tests returned a negative match.
The 19-year-old’s death is being treated as unexplained, amid an ongoing investigation.
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: ‘Samaria’s family and friends have been informed of this development. Our thoughts are with them and we will support them at this difficult time.’
Samaria was in her first year studying for a BA in Japanese and History of Art at SOAS University of London.
In a statement, the university said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear that police have discovered a body which is believed to be that of Samaria Ayanle, who was a first-year student at SOAS University of London, studying for a BA in Japanese and the History of Art.
‘Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones and friends at this difficult time.
‘We know that this news will be felt by many and we will be doing everything we can to support friends, family and the wider student and staff community.
‘We urge members of the SOAS community who have been affected by this news to reach out if you need support.’
Anyone with information should contact Met Police quoting reference 01/60807/24.