Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Thames Ditton woman nine years ago have arrested her husband on suspicion of her murder.

Maureen Hale disappeared after leaving her home on June 22, 1999 at around 10pm.

Her husband, Martin Hale, initially told officers that the 42-year-old had left without saying where she was going or when she would back.

Officers say she had left without any personal possessions or money.

Met Police arrested the 51-year-old today.

As well as being suspected of Mrs Hale's murder he was also arrested on suspicion of mortgage fraud.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton who is leading the investigating said: "Maureen Hale disappeared very suddenly nine years ago. Since that time there has been no contact with her family or any of her friends.

"Such a disappearance was entirely out of character for her, especially as she left behind four young children at home. We have always thought it was hard to imagine she would simply walk out and leave them without a word."

It is thought police are preparing to dig up the garden of the pair's three-storey £1m home.

Mr Hale had been arrested in July 1999 in connection with his wife's disappearance but released due to a lack of evidence.