24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 18-year-old Bobby-Anne McLeod

A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Bobby-Anne McLeod, who disappeared from a Plymouth bus stop on Saturday on his way to visit her boyfriend.

His body was found on Tuesday afternoon near the beach in Bovisand, from where it was last seen.

Cody Auckland, who was arrested on Tuesday, has now been charged with the murder of Ms McLeod, Devon and Cornwall police said this morning.

He is due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates Court later today.

Bobby-Anne went missing on Saturday evening and was found dead on Tuesday near the coastal path and car park above Bovisand Beach.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the 18-year-old’s family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

The force said on Thursday there was “no known connection” between Ms McLeod and the suspect.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leiper said investigators were not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

Ms McLeod left her home in Leighham at around 6 pm and was last seen waiting at the bus stop near her home as she made her way into town.

Family, friends and members of the public gathered at Sheepstore Road bus stop by candlelight for Bobby-Anne yesterday

When the people of Plymouth went to pay tribute last night, a huge crowd gathered

Hundreds of people gathered at the spot where he was last seen to light a candle in his memory.

A bank of flowers laden with candles has been put up by the local residents over the past few days.

The victim’s mother, Donna McLeod, was deeply distressed during the surveillance but was able to thank the crowd for all the love and support her family has received over the past few days.

‘Thank you for finding him and doing everything you can to bring our baby home,’ she said.