Police hunt for house key clue over allotment murder of pensioner

Detectives investigating the murder of a grandmother found dead in a lock-up shed want to speak to anyone who owns an allotment near where she was found.

Lea Adri-Soejoko was located by police at the north London site less than 30 minutes after being reported missing from her home by relatives in the early hours on Tuesday, February 28.

There are about 90 plots on the allotments in Sheaveshill Avenue, in Colindale, and officers say many of the owners are yet to come forward.

Police also want to trace a set of her house keys which have not been found a month on from her death.

Members of the Colindale Allotment Garden Association, where the 80-year-old was secretary, had contacted family members when she failed to attend a meeting the evening before she was found.

Mrs Adri-Soejoko was found dead in a lock-up shed, for which she had a key, that was used by members of the association as an office and to store garden tools.

The pensioner was confirmed dead at the scene, less than 100 yards from her home.

After launching a murder probe, police did not disclose the cause of her death for “operational reasons”, saying only that she lost her life “In the most tragic way possible.”

A post-mortem examination later found on March 1 found that she died as a result of ligature compression of the neck.

An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command.

DCI McHugh said: "I am still keen to speak with many of the allotment holders who are yet to come forward.

“It is important that we continue to build a timeline of the events that led to officers discovering Lea's body in the lock-up store.

"I would also like to hear from any previous owners who may be able to provide us with information about the people who currently tend to or own an allotment.

“I would encourage anyone who visited the area on Monday, 27 February and has not spoken with police to phone us.”

"Any piece of information, however small, will help my team build a picture of events that tragic day."

A set of three house keys - with a small Morrisons' supermarket loyalty card attached - belonging to the victim remain missing.

DCI McHugh, added: "Perhaps someone found them and picked them up, thinking to hand them into the police at some point.

“Maybe they're sitting in someone's home. If you have any information, please come forward."

Police divers have searched Silk Stream and officers continue to search the allotments.

A 40-year-old man was charged with her murder on Sunday, March 5.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police at the incident room on 020 8785 8099, via 101 or @MetCC. Alternatively, to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.