Harshita Brella died of strangulation as police release new images of suspect

New CCTV images have been released in the hunt for the prime suspect in the killing of Harshita Brella, as a post-mortem examination found the 24-year-old’s preliminary cause of death was strangulation.

A murder inquiry was launched after Ms Brella’s body was found inside the boot of a vehicle on Brisbane Road in Ilford, east London, close to an entrance to Valentines Park in the early hours of Thursday.

Northamptonshire Police said detectives have been reviewing hours of CCTV footage of her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23, to try to trace his movements.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), said: “Our inquiries have established that Pankaj Lamba drove a Silver Vauxhall Corsa from Corby to Ilford sometime on the morning of Monday, November 11.

“We suspect Harshita’s body had been placed in the boot of the vehicle by Lamba before leaving Corby. Lamba then abandoned the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford and made his getaway.

“We are continuing to appeal for information and I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or had any sightings of Pankaj Lamba in Corby, Ilford or elsewhere in the days leading up to the discovery of Harshita’s body, to contact police as soon as possible.

“Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us get justice for Harshita.”

Police have asked anyone with information to contact the incident room by calling 101, quoting Operation Westcott.

Alternatively, information can be submitted via the online public portal at www.mipp.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

The inquest into Harshita’s death will be opened on Wednesday, November 20, at 9.45am at The Guildhall in Northampton.