Woman arrested in murder probe after man’s body found in van

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man’s body was found in a van parked in a city centre.

Leicestershire Police said the remains were found after officers forced entry to the Ford Transit van in a car park in Garden Street, Leicester, on Wednesday evening.

Police were called after a member of the public reported concerns about the condition of the vehicle.

A 39-year-old woman was arrested at an address in Hounslow, west London, on suspicion of murder after police said the van was registered to her address. She remains in custody.

Following the arrest, and as a result of other enquiries, the investigation was passed to the Metropolitan Police yesterday and a crime scene was put in place in Hounslow.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, leading the investigation for the Met, said: ‘As we piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we urge the public to come forward with any information.

‘Particularly if you recognise the van, or think you may have captured it on a doorbell or dashcam footage travelling to Leicester in the lead-up to Wednesday, 27 May.’

An investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the man’s death is ongoing.

Detective Inspector Kev Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit major crime team, said: ‘I’d like to speak to anyone who can help with our investigation.

‘The man was found in a white Ford Transit with the registration BF18 VNV.

‘Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen this van in Garden Street or other parts of Leicester and Leicestershire to get in touch.

‘This includes anyone who may have seen the van where they live or work to get in touch. I’d like to extend this appeal to anyone who may have captured its movements on CCTV or a dashcam.’

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