Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was reportedly taken against his will in a car in Enfield.

What is believed to be the man’s body was found in woodland near Oakwood Industrial Estate in Loughton, Essex, at around 11.55am on Saturday.

Police had been called at 1.51pm on Friday to reports of two people missing from an address in Ebony Crescent, Enfield – a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s – who were known to each other.

Detectives believe the man reported missing is the man found in Loughton. The woman has been located and is physically unharmed.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in the Kent area and remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran said: “While the investigation remains at an early stage, a key line of enquiry is that the man and woman were taken against their will in a vehicle on Thursday night.

“I need anyone who was in the Ebony Crescent area on the night of Thursday, 13 October, and may have witnessed something suspicious, to contact police immediately.”

Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, lead for policing in Enfield police, added: “We understand the considerable concern this will evoke among local people.

“We are working to support our colleagues in Specialist Crime and will remain visibly present in the Ebony Crescent area as further enquiries are conducted.”

Ebony Crescent has been cordoned off by police since Friday.

The Met Police is now leading the investigation. Any information can be reported via 101 quoting reverence CAD 3901/14 Oct.