©Detectives investigating the disappearance of Alena Grlakova have confirmed that the investigation is now a murder inquiry.
Alena, 38, was reported missing on Boxing Day 2018, after she failed to contact her family. She was last seen on Wednesday 26 December 2018 leaving the Travellers Public House on Rawmarsh Hill, Rotherham.
On Monday afternoon (8 April), officers found the body of a woman in land behind a hotel on Taylor’s Lane, close to School Lane.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, leading the investigation, explained: “Our investigation in to Alena’s disappearance, and now the discovery of her body, is continuing to progress at pace, and I can confirm that we are now treating this as a murder inquiry.”
“Today, we have also arrested a 45-year-old Rotherham man in connection to the investigation. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody, where he will be interviewed by officers.”
“A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday evening (Tuesday 9 April), however the cause of death was unascertained.”
DCI Oughton added: “Further tests will be carried out over the coming days to determine exactly how Alena died. A team of officers, who have been working on the investigation since Alena was reported missing, are continuing with their enquiries to establish where she went after leaving the pub that evening.”
“We have specialist officers with her family both in the UK and in Slovakia and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
“We are determined to find answers for them and our officers remain in the Parkgate area today conducting enquiries and providing reassurance.”
Did you see Alena? Police are advising anyone who my have information to call 101 quoting incident number 453 of 8 April 2019. You can also call incident room direct on 01709 443540 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
