Woman, 24, found dead in car boot near park pictured for first time as murder probe launched

The woman whose body was found in the boot of a car has been identified as Harshita Brella. Northamptonshire Police initiated an investigation after discovering Harshita's body in a vehicle in East London.

The grim discovery was made on Brisbane Road, Ilford, following concerns raised about her welfare the previous day. After receiving no response at her residence in Skegness Walk, Corby, officers launched a missing persons inquiry.

A forensic post-mortem examination conducted at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday confirmed that Harshita had been murdered. Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed his deepest condolences to all who loved Harshita Brella, reports the Mirror.

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"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 tirelessly to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, including the exact location and timeframe in which it occurred," he said. DCI Campbell urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to step forward.

He added: "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."

Northamptonshire Police said they do not believe there is a wider risk to the public as a result of the incident, but they will step up extra patrols in Corby to reassure residents in the area.

Anyone who has any information that could lead to the arrest of her killer to call 101 quoting incident number 24000678713.