Libby Squire: Body of Hull University student to be returned to family

25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering philosophy student released under investigation earlier this month

The body of Hull University student Libby Squire will be released to her family so a funeral can take place.

Humberside Police made the announcement five months after her body was found in the Humber Estuary following a huge search.

The 21-year-old, who was from High Wycombe, disappeared in Hull in the early hours of Friday 1 February and her body was recovered almost a-month-and-a-half later.

Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley said: “In consultation with the coroner, we are now in a position for Libby’s body to be released to her family.

“Libby’s parents have been informed and arrangements are being made for her to be returned to them. Understandably, this will be an incredibly emotional time as Libby was found just over five months ago. However, for investigative reasons we were unable to return Libby back to them until now.”

Mr Smalley added: “I want to express my gratitude and thanks for their patience and understanding, as losing a loved one is always a heart-breaking experience, but the circumstances surrounding Libby’s tragic death make it even more devastating.

“We continue to offer our full support and I would ask people to please respect their privacy. There are no details for any funeral arrangements at this time and should this be information the family wish to share we will of course assist them however we can.

“The investigation is continuing with a file being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service as results of the additional analysis are being finalised.”

Earlier this month, a 25-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering the philosophy student was released under investigation.

Ms Squire was last seen shortly after midnight on 1 February near her home in Hull, having returned from a night out.

Later that morning, she was reported missing, prompting an intensive search by hundreds of uniformed officers as well as search specialists, dog handlers, underwater officers and the public.

At one stage, around 200 students gathered in the rain as a show of solidarity and support for the student and her parents.

In March, following weeks of looking for the student, Humberside Police confirmed that a body recovered from the Humber Estuary was that of Ms Squire.

In an emotional Facebook post following the discovery, Ms Squire’s mother said: “I cannot thank you enough my darling Pie for making me a mummy.”

Additional reporting by Press Association