October 24, 2019 4.28 pm This story is over 53 months old

Man charged with rape and murder of Libby Squire

He will appear in court later this month

Pawel Relowicz. | Photo: Facebook

A 25-year-old man has been charged with the rape and murder of Libby Squire, who was reported missing in February.

Libby was reported missing in the early hours of Friday, February 1, 2019 after a night out in Hull with friends.

As previously reported, the body of the 21-year-old was recovered from the water at the Humber Estuary close to Spurn Point at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, March 20.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised Humberside Police to charge Pawel Relowicz, 25, with rape and murder on Thursday. Libby’s family have been informed.

The body recovered near Grimsby Docks has been confirmed as Libby Squire. Photo: Humberside Police

Relowicz, formerly of Raglan Street in Hull, has been remanded until his appearance at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 30.

Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley, Senior Investigating Officer at Humberside Police, said: “My heartfelt thanks go out to Libby’s parents for their continued understanding and patience throughout the investigative process.

Libby Squire. Photo: Humberside Police

“They have been updated on all of the developments in the investigation and we will continue to support them moving forward and throughout the court proceedings.”

Chief Crown Prosecutor Gerry Wareham said: “This decision was made following a careful review of all the evidence presented to us by Humberside Police as a result of their lengthy and complex investigation.

“Criminal proceedings against Mr Relowicz are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Libby Squire. Photo: Humberside Police

The University of Hull previously created a space for tributes to Libby.

Professor Susan Lea, University of Hull Vice-Chancellor, said: “My thoughts, and those of my colleagues and our students, are with Libby’s family and friends at this time.

“Libby was and always will be part of our community, which is strong and supportive, and we will continue to support our colleagues and students over the forthcoming months.”