Murder victim found dead inside car boot named as Harshita Brella | UK News
The 24-year-old had vanished from her home nearly 100 miles away in Corby, Northamptonshire
A woman found dead inside a car boot in east london has been named as Harshita Brella.
The 24-year-old had vanished from her home nearly 100 miles away in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Her body was discovered inside the vehicle, which had been left near a park, in the early hours of Thursday, November 14.
Police had gone to her home a day earlier on Wednesday following a call expressing concern for her welfare.
A missing person’s investigation was launched when they got no answer.
That quickly turned into a murder investigation when ‘fast-track enquiries’ led to the grim discovery 24 hours later.
Police investigations are underway in Corby and Ilford after the body of a 24-year-old woman was discovered in a car boot near Valentines Park in Ilford (Picture: UKNIP)
No cause of death has been given but Northamptonshire Police said a post-mortem ‘established that Harshita had been murdered’.
The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact they had with her.
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), said: ‘Although we believe Harshita was attacked by someone known to her, we are keeping an open mind, and would appeal to anyone who knew her to contact us with any relevant information they may have.
‘If you saw anything suspicious in the past week or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us.
‘We would always rather receive well-meaning information that turns out to be nothing as opposed to not receiving it all.’
Police officers are satisfied there is no wider risk to the public as a result of this incident, however extra patrols will be taking place in Corby in the coming days for reassurance.
DCI Campbell added: ‘I want to express my heartfelt condolences to everyone who loved Harshita Brella.
‘She was a young woman in her early 20s with her whole life ahead of her and it is absolutely tragic that her life has been cut short in this way.
‘Detectives from EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police are working around the clock to establish the circumstances behind her death, including the exact location and timeframe in which it took place.’