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

A woman who was found dead in the boot of a car has been identified as Harshita Brella.

Northamptonshire Police launched an investigation after Harshita's body was discovered in a vehicle on Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London on Thursday. The discovery came after concerns for her welfare were raised the previous day.

When officers visited her home on Skegness Walk, Corby, and received no response, they initiated a missing persons investigation. A forensic post-mortem examination conducted at Leicester Royal Infirmary confirmed she had been murdered.

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Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, of the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), expressed condolences, saying: “First of all, 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."

DCI Campbell added that detectives from EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police are working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances of her death, including determining the location and timeline of the incident.

He urged anyone with information to come forward, stating: “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 have assured the public that there is no wider risk to the community but will increase patrols in Corby to reassure residents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 24000678713.

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