Woman Arrested in 14-Year-Old Murder Case of Martine
A woman in her 60s was arrested on Tuesday, 8 March, at a Westminster address on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody at a central London police station as the investigation heats up.
Martine’s Murder: Cold Case Reignited
The arrest is a major breakthrough in the chilling unsolved murder of Martine, 23, whose body was found hidden beneath rubble in a basement on Great Portland Street back in March 2008. Despite the years, police are still chasing justice for the young woman.
Farouk Abdulhak was quickly named the prime suspect. He fled Britain hours after Martine’s death, dodging the law by escaping to Egypt and then Yemen.
Investigation Leads Speak Out
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood said: “Martine’s family has never given up their fight for justice and in the 14 years since her death, they have campaigned tirelessly to keep her in the public consciousness.
“They’ve been informed of this latest development. Though it’s a positive step, there’s still much more work to do.
“Farouk Abdulhak should be clear—this matter isn’t going away. My team and I will keep pursuing him relentlessly and use every option to bring him back to the UK. He’s a wanted man, and we won’t stop until justice is served.”
“I’m appealing to Farouk Abdulhak directly: Come back to the UK. Face justice.”
“Since Martine’s death, her family and my team have shown true determination. We want to provide some closure for them.”
What Happened That Night?
- Martine was out celebrating finishing her exam term with friends at Mayfair’s Maddox nightclub on 14 March 2008.
- She left around 2am with Abdulhak.
- Reported missing the next day by friends, police discovered her body two days later in Abdulhak’s Westminster block on Great Portland Street.
- She had been raped and died from compression to the neck.
- Her death was ruled unlawful killing at a 2010 inquest.
Police urge anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020 8358 0300. Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
