Ilkeston man charged with the alleged murder of local woman Sarah Henshaw

A 36 year old man has been charged with alleged murder after the body of an Ilkeston woman was found by the side of the M1 motorway.

Sarah Henshaw was last seen at around 9pm on Tuesday 20th June at her home address on Norman Street.

The 31 year old with a distinctive tattoo on her right foot, was last seen in a black lightweight coat, khaki green top, blue skinny jeans and black pumps. Her disappearance was described by a police spokesperson as "...very out of character".

A murder investigation was launched on 23rd June following her disappearance. Shortly afterwards, Detective Inspector Maria Pleace said: “We have information in relation to Sarah’s disappearance that has led us to believe that she may be seriously hurt or deceased.  I would like to appeal to the public for CCTV and dashcam footage as stated or any other information that may be of use to our investigation."

However, earlier on Monday 26th June, officers attended a layby off the westbound carriageway of the A617, close to junction 29 of the M1, where a body believed to be Sarah's was discovered. The woman's identity was later confirmed.

Her family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Officers subsequently arrested and detained a man on suspicion of murder with a warrant of further detention authorised giving officers more time to question him.   He was later named as 36 year old Darren Hall from Rodney Way and was set to appear before magistrates on Wednesday 28th June.

Sarah's mother, Lorraine has since paid tribute to her daughter. The statement said: “Sarah was my first-born child – and was a wonderful daughter and sister.  She was also a fantastic mum to her two girls, who she loved so much.  Sarah would always put others first and was always incredibly kind. As a family we are all devastated by her death. We miss her so much and will love her forever.”

Officers remain keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Transit van, registration beginning YP16, in the early hours of Wednesday 21st June around the area of J29 of the M1 and the A617 towards Chesterfield. 

Anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Derbyshire Police using the methods below and quoting incident number 444 of 23rd June. 

Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabularyTwitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContactWebsite– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also submit information via a website which is dedicated to gathering information for major incidents; photos can also be uploaded via this link