Detectives are working identify the body of a mystery man found in a van in Leicester that has sparked a murder investigation 100 miles away in London.
Officers from Leicestershire Police responded to concerns from a member of the public about the condition of a white van parked off Garden Street in Leicester at around 5.30pm in Wednesday.
When officers broke into the Ford Transit, with the registration BF18 VNV, they made a grim discovery – uncovering the body of a man inside.
Officers looked into the van’s registration and found it was registered to an address more than 100 miles away in south west London.
The force arrested a 39-year-old woman on Friday in Hounslow on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody where she is being questioned by detectives.
Leicestershire Police passed on the investigation to the Metropolitan Police on Saturday, who have established a crime scene at a house in Sutton Dene, east Hounslow.
An investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the man’s death is ongoing. Once the man is identified, his next of kin will be informed.
Detective chief inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the probe for the Met, has asked that anyone who might recognise the van or have footage of it travelling to Leicester before Wednesday get in touch.
“I’d like to thank Leicestershire Police for their initial enquiries, which led to a swift arrest,” the DCI said.
“As we piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we urge the public to come forward with any information, particularly if you recognise the van, or think you may have captured it on a doorbell or dashcam footage travelling to Leicester in the lead up to Wednesday, 27 May.”
Police asked that anyone with information call 101 quoting 9873/28MAY. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via police’s online portal.
