Murder investigation launched in Westminster

Detectives are investigating the murder of a woman in Westminster.

Officers were contacted on Sunday, 7 April by friends of a woman who were concerned for her welfare.

At around 08:30hrs on Monday, 8 April officers attended her address in Stanhope Place, W2.

They forced entry to the property and found the woman deceased. She had suffered a number of stab injuries.

Police are working to trace and inform her next of kin.

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton from the Met's Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: "I understand this news will be concerning, and that local women especially may be worried. Our enquiries are in the very early stages and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive, however I can assure people that my team are working 24/7 to establish what happened to the woman, and to identify and arrest whoever may be responsible for this attack.

"My officers now need support and information from the public. I want to ask local people to check doorbell cameras, and for drivers in the area to think about whether they've seen anything unusual that might have been captured on dash cam. Did you notice any unusual activity at the address? If you did then it is imperative that we hear from you."

Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, lead for policing in Westminster, said: "Our thoughts are with the victim’s family. My officers will do everything we can to support the investigation and they will be stationed in the area to speak to anyone who has any information or concerns they want to share with us."

If you have information that could help police please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC ref CAD 6784/7 Apr.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.