Married Polish butcher, 25, is charged with rape and murder of Hull student Libby Squire, 21, nine months after she went missing during night out
- Libby Squire’s body found in estuary more than a month after she went missing
- Her disappearance in February prompted search involving hundreds of police
- But body was recovered after she had been missing for nearly seven weeks
- Pawel Relowicz, 25, is set to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on October 30
Libby Squire, 21, died in Hull on February 1
A 25-year-old man has been charged with the rape and murder of Hull University student Libby Squire, whose body was found in an estuary more than a month after she went missing.
The disappearance of the 21-year-old in February prompted a widespread search, involving hundreds of police officers and members of the public.
But, after being missing for nearly seven weeks, the philosophy student’s body was recovered from the Humber Estuary in March.
Humberside Police said Pawel Relowicz, who is a married Polish butcher, has been charged with raping and murdering Miss Squire and will appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on October 30.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Gerry Wareham, said: ‘Following the death of Libby Squire in Hull on February 1, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Humberside Police to charge Pawel Relowicz, 25, with rape and murder. Libby’s family have been informed.
‘This decision was made following a careful review of all the evidence presented to us by Humberside Police as a result of their lengthy and complex investigation.
Pawel Relowicz (left), 25, has been charged with the rape and murder of Miss Squire (right), 21
Miss Squire’s funeral took place at St Lawrence’s Church in West Wycombe on October 3
‘Criminal proceedings against Mr Relowicz are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
Humberside Police senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley said: ‘Pawel Relowicz, 25, has been charged with the rape and murder of 21-year-old Libby Squire in February this year.
‘Libby was reported missing in the early hours of Friday February 1 this year after a night-out in Hull with friends.
‘Sadly, Libby’s body was recovered from the Humber Estuary just over six weeks later on Wednesday March 20.
Mourners arrive during a memorial for Miss Squire at The University of Hull on March 25
Police at Grimsby Docks after a body was recovered from the Humber Estuary on March 20
‘My heartfelt thanks go out to Libby’s parents for their continued understanding and patience throughout the investigative process.
‘They have been updated on all of the developments in the investigation and we will continue to support them moving forward and throughout the court proceedings.’
Professor Susan Lea, University of Hull Vice-Chancellor, said: ‘My thoughts, and those of my colleagues and our students, are with Libby’s family and friends at this time.
‘Libby was and always will be part of our community, which is strong and supportive, and we will continue to support our colleagues and students over the forthcoming months.’
Police search at Oak Road Playing Fields in Hull on February 5 after the disappearance
Police outside the home of Miss Squire in Hull during the investigation on February 4
Miss Squire was last seen at around 12.10am on February 1 near her home on Wellesley Avenue in Hull, following an evening 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.
On March 20, the force revealed that a body had been recovered from the water in the Humber Estuary and, a day later, it was confirmed as being that of Ms Squire.
After news of her death broke, her mother, Lisa, said: ‘I cannot thank you enough, my darling Pie, for making me a mummy. For choosing me to be your mummy. It’s an honour, a privilege and a joy.’