Police name Corby woman found dead in boot of car as murder investigation continues

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a woman was found in the boot of a car.

The woman, who police have named as Harshita Brella from Corby, was found in a car in east London.

Police said the discovery came about after Northamptonshire Police received a call on Wednesday regarding concerns for Ms Brella's welfare.

Officers were sent to her home address in Skegness Walk, Corby, and after getting no answer, launched a missing person investigation.

Inquiries were made which led to the discovery of a woman’s body inside the boot of a car in Brisbane Road in the Ilford area of London, in the early hours of Thursday.

A forensic post-mortem examination, which took place at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday established that Ms Brella had been murdered.

Det Ch Insp Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands special operations major crime unit (EMSOU), said: “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.

“Detectives from EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police are working around the clock to establish the circumstances behind her death, including the exact location and timeframe in which it took place."

Supt Steve Freeman, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “The investigation is ongoing and there will be continued police activity over the weekend in various locations, including Corby and Ilford.

“Although we believe that this was a targeted incident and there is no wider risk to members of the public, extra patrols will be taking place in Corby in the coming days for reassurance purposes.

“Anyone with any concerns is welcome to approach one of these officers who will be happy to help, and anyone who may have information that could assist our inquiries, is asked to contact us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

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