A 25-year-old man has been charged with the rape and murder of Hull University student Libby Squire, whose body was found in an estuary more than a month after she went missing.

The disappearance of the 21-year-old in February this year prompted a widespread search, involving hundreds of police officers and members of the public.

But, after being missing for nearly seven weeks, the philosophy student’s body was recovered from the Humber Estuary in March.

Humberside Police said Pawel Relowicz has been charged with raping and murdering Squire and will appear at Hull Magistrates Court on October 30.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Gerry Wareham, said: “Following the death of Libby Squire in Hull on 1 February, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Humberside Police to charge Pawel Relowicz, 25, with rape and murder. Libby’s family have been informed.

“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.”

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.”

The philosophy student’s funeral was held on October 3 at St Lawrence’s Church in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.