Police are searching for the body of a Mitcham woman who they believe may have been the victim of an honour killing.

Banaz Mahmod Babakir Agha, 20, was last seen at 5.50pm on January 23, in Cricket Green, Mitcham, and detectives investigating her disappearance are now treating the case as a murder inquiry.

Banaz, who is Kurdish, has not withdrawn any money since her disappearance and did not take a change of clothing or passport with her.

Detective Superintendant Phil Adams, who is overseeing the inquiry, said: "Banaz has not been seen for more than two weeks now.

"I need to hear from anyone who has any information about what has happened to her or has seen her since January 23.

"All information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Police have undertaken searches at addresses in London, Birmingham and Sheffield.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with murder and a total of eight other people have been arrested during the inquiry which began in January, and are bailed to return pending further inquiries in the future.

Banaz has long dark hair and pale skin and was possibly wearing a green parka coat or a black jacket with a yellow butterfly on the back of it.

A police spokeswoman said the Met would not reveal exactly where Banaz lived or how long she had been in the country.

Detective Superintendant Phil Adams said: "While we must retain an open mind, a line of inquiry is that Banaz's disappearance may be in connection with a failed arranged marriage and her death may be a so-called 'honour killing'."

An incident room has been set up at Lewisham, under Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode.

Anyone who has information is urged to call police on 020 8721 4905 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.