A young woman discovered dead in the boot of a car in Ilford has been named as 24-year-old Harshita Brella. Police have described her death as “tragic” and said she “had her whole life ahead of her.
Body Discovered in Brisbane Road
Harshita’s body was found in the early hours of Thursday, November 14, in the boot of a parked car on Brisbane Road, Ilford. The discovery followed a missing person investigation launched by Northamptonshire Police after concerns for her welfare were raised on Wednesday, November 13.
Officers initially visited her home on Skegness Walk in Corby, Northamptonshire, but received no response. Subsequent inquiries led detectives to the car in Ilford, where her body was found.
A forensic post-mortem examination conducted at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday confirmed she had been murdered.
Police Investigation Underway
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, said:
“First of all, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to everyone who loved Harshita Brella. She was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, and it is absolutely tragic that her life has been cut short in this way.”
Police believe Harshita may have been attacked by someone known to her but are keeping an open mind. DCI Campbell has urged anyone who knew Harshita or witnessed anything suspicious in the past week to come forward.
Community Reassurance
Police have stated there is no wider risk to the public. However, extra patrols will be conducted in Corby in the coming days to provide reassurance to the community.
Mandatory Referral to IOPC
Northamptonshire Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact between the victim and the force.
How to Help
Detectives are appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 24000678713. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
