What we know about the death of Harshita Brella, whose body was found in the boot of a car in London

Police investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car in London believe she was attacked by someone she knew, but had an “open mind”.

Harshita Brella, 24, from Corby, Northamptonshire was found in a car in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of Thursday.

A homicide investigation has been launched and Northamptonshire Police say they are working to establish the circumstances leading to his death. The force has transferred itself to the police department due to previous contact with the 24-year-old man.

What we know

Northamptonshire Police were contacted by a member of the public concerned about the welfare of Harshita Brella on Wednesday.

Police went to his home in Skegness Walk, Corby, but got no response, the force said.

A missing persons investigation was launched and her body was found in the boot of a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford, in the early hours of Thursday.

An autopsy found she had been murdered, prompting an investigation.

Detectives say they believe Brella was attacked by an acquaintance and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), said: “I would like to offer my condolences to everyone who loved Harshita Brella. She was a young woman in her early 20s. She lost her life. all in front of him and it is very sad that his life has been reached in this way.

“Detectives from EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of her death, including where and when it happened.”

He added: “Although we believe that Harshita was attacked by someone she knows, we remain open and would urge anyone who knows her to contact us with any important information they may have.”

What we don’t know

Northamptonshire Police undertook to refer the claim to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact between them and Bella.

However, it has not provided any further details about that previous contact and what it entailed.

It is not known how he died. Although an autopsy revealed she was killed, police have not released any other details about her injuries or what detectives believe happened in the time leading up to her death.

Northamptonshire Police said a member of the public raised concerns for the welfare of the 24-year-old before his body was found, but we do not know what the concerns were or who the member of the public was.

Read more

• A woman, 24, was found murdered in the boot of a car in Ilford called Harshita Brella when the police were investigating the ‘target’. (Level)

• A man was found dead in a car in a city parking lot (Leicestershire Live)