Woman found dead with head injury after man ‘tried to force entry into flat’

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a woman was found dead in a flat in south London.

Police launched a murder investigation after a 36-year-old woman, who was described by neighbours as ‘nice and smiley’ was found dead by police.

Neighbours said they heard ‘banging and shouting’ at the west London address before the woman was found fatally injured. 

One told Metro: ‘There was banging and shouting and coming and going. There had been issues with the flat before as well.

‘We are just heartbroken this poor young girl has died. She hadn’t lived there long.’

Another said: ‘She was a nice young girl she had only just moved in. She said hello she seemed nice and smiley.’

Neighbours said she lived alone in a top floor flat but a lot of people were in and out of the address. 

Police have cordoned off the flat and forensics are trawling for clues. 

Houses fetch more than £1.3m in Coulter Road where the woman was fatally injured. 

Detectives have been seen scouring CCTV for clues and carrying out door to door inquiries.

Officers arrived at around 10.13pm last night and having gained entry to the property found the woman who had died after suffering what is believed to be a head injury.

A man was seen trying to get into the house just minutes before, police said.

The man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Next of kin has yet to be informed. We await formal identification.

‘A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

‘Officers are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to call 101 and quote CAD 6487/9Feb. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

Detective Chief Inspector, Ollie Stride who is leading the investigation, said: ‘We are saddened to hear about the loss of this young woman and are working to ensure that her family are informed and supported by specialist officers as soon as possible.

‘I understand the impact this incident will have had on neighbours and the community and we are doing everything we can to investigate the circumstances.

‘Although we have made an arrest, we still need to have an understanding of what took place last night in Coulter Road.

‘Did you see or hear anything unusual on Sunday, 9 February? If you did, then please speak with us by contacting 101, and quoting CAD 6487/9Feb. You can otherwise contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

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