Mystery body in van in Leicester leads police to ‘crime scene’ 100 miles away in London

Detectives are trying to identify the body of a mystery man found in a van in Leicester, sparking a murder investigation 100 miles from London.

Leicestershire Police officers responded to concerns from a member of the public about the condition of a white van parked on Garden Street in Leicester at around 5.30pm on Wednesday.

Officers made a grim discovery when they entered the Ford Transit with registration number BF18 VNV and discovered the body of a man inside.

Officers examined the van’s registration and found it was registered to an address more than 100 miles away in south-west London.

Police arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of murder in Hounslow on Friday. He is being held for questioning by detectives.

Leicestershire Police passed the investigation on to the Metropolitan Police, who located a crime scene at a house in Sutton Dene, east Hounslow, on Saturday.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the man’s death. Once the person’s identity is determined, his/her relatives will be informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the Met’s investigation, appealed for anyone who may recognize the van or have footage of it traveling to Leicester before Wednesday to get in touch.

“I would like to thank Leicestershire Police for their initial investigation which resulted in a swift arrest,” the DCI said.

“As we piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we are appealing to the public to come forward with any information, particularly if you recognize the van or think you may have captured it on doorbell or dashcam footage en route to Leicester by Wednesday, May 27.”

Police have asked anyone with information to call 101 at 9873/28MAY. Information can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the police. online portal.