Jayden Parkinson: Murder inquiry launched

Undated handout photo issued by Thames Valley Police of Jayden Parkinson as police have been given more time to question one of the two people arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of the 17-year-old girl. (Police handout )

Police searching for missing teenager Jayden Parkinson in Oxfordshire have confirmed their missing person investigation is now a murder inquiry, despite no body having yet been found.

The 17-year-old, from Oxford, has been missing for 12 days. Thames Valley Police have said a young man seen struggling with a suitcase in the area could hold the key to her disappearance and are eager to talk to him.

Jayden was last seen on CCTV leaving Didcot train station at around 4.30pm on Tuesday 3 December.

In a news conference this afternoon, Det Ch Supt Andy Murray said the case had been upgraded from a missing persons case to a murder investigation.

Mr Murray said the man was seen struggling to carry the large suitcase in an open field near Upton on 9 December at 2am. He is described as a white male in his early 20s, with short dark hair and of medium to slim build.

A short time later he was again seen in the Lydalls Road area of Didcot.

The case he was pulling is described as large, 3ft by 2ft and 15ins deep, made of light coloured canvas, possibly pale blue. The case is on wheels and the handle consists of two silver extendable bars with a black top handle.

Police have already arrested two men, aged 17 and 22, on suspicion of murder in connection with her disappearance.