Sian Blake: How the search for ex-Eastenders star unfolded

A murder investigation has been launched after police found three bodies during the search for Sian Balke and her two young children

Three bodies have been found in the search for ex-EastEnders actress Sian Blake and her two young children, and a murder investigation has been launched.

Here is a timeline of events leading up to the discovery in the back garden of the family home the 43-year-old shared with her missing partner, Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48.

13 December - Miss Blake is last seen in Waltham Forest, east London, with her sons Zachary, eight, and Amon, four.

16 December - Police visit Miss Blake's home in Pembroke Road, Erith, Kent, and speak to Mr Simpson-Kent. Following this, Miss Blake and her children are reported missing. This is the last time Mr Simpson-Kent is seen. He is subsequently reported as a high-risk missing person.

3 January - Miss Blake's silver-beige Renault Scenic is found in Calvert Avenue in Bethnal Green, east London, but it is not known who parked it there.

4 January - Police announce that homicide detectives have taken over the investigation.

5 January - Detectives discover three bodies in the garden of Miss Blake's family home. A murder investigation is launched, and police continue to appeal for information about Mr Simpson-Kent's whereabouts.