Martin Collett’s body was found on Friday evening The former boyfriend of a murdered Red Cross worker from Hertfordshire has been found dead near a railway line.
Officers began a manhunt for Martin Collett, 35, after the body of Angela Hoyt, 34, was found at her home at Glebeland, Hatfield, on Tuesday.
A man’s body was discovered just north of Hatfield train station at about 2330 BST on Friday. Police have now confirmed it is that of Mr Collett.
They are not looking for anyone else in connection with Ms Hoyt’s death.
Det Ch Insp Mark Ross, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Now we have found Martin, this brings our search to a conclusion and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Angela’s death.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to Angela’s family and close friends.
“Angela’s family have shown great courage and dignity while also helping and supporting our investigation.
“This is an extremely tragic case involving two people who were known to each other. Both families are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this difficult time.”
Angela Hoyt is believed to have died some time between 22 and 24 May In a statement released by police, Ms Hoyt’s family described her as a “very ambitious and driven girl”.
They said: “She had a passion for human rights and wanted to use her work to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. She had strong opinions and convictions.”
Ms Hoyt is believed to have died some time between 22 and 24 May.
It was revealed earlier that Ms Hoyt had complained to police days before her death about being harassed.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has begun an inquiry into Hertfordshire Police’s response to Ms Hoyt’s complaint.
IPCC commissioner Sarah Green said: “The IPCC is independently investigating Hertfordshire Police’s response to a report of harassment made at Hatfield Police Station on the afternoon of 20 May 2011.”
About 30 specialist officers scoured the grounds of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on Friday after receiving information about a man seen in the area.
It has also emerged that Mr Collett was a former briefing manager for former Labour home secretaries David Blunkett and Charles Clarke.
Ms Hoyt worked as a junior member of the Home Office media team at around the same time Mr Collett was employed.
Ms Hoyt was born in Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and moved to the UK in 1999.
She had recently returned from a three-month role in Pakistan as part of her work with the Red Cross.
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