International manhunt launched after woman’s body found in car boot

Police have launched an international search for the husband of a Harshita Brella, who was found dead in the boot of a car almost 100 miles from her home.

Northamptonshire Police said they are looking for Pankaj Lamba, after the body of Ms Brella, 24, was discovered in Ilford, east London on Thursday.

In an update on Sunday, Northamptonshire Police urged the public to come forward with information as the search continues for Lamba, who is suspected to have left the country.

Chief inspector Paul Cash said: “Our inquiries lead us to suspect that Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband Pankaj Lamba.

“We suspect Lamba transported Harshita’s body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car.”

The force launched a murder inquiry after Ms Brella’s body was found in the vehicle on Brisbane Road in the early hours of Thursday.

The day before, police had been contacted by a member of the public concerned for her welfare, and officers went to her home in Skegness Walk.

After she failed to answer to door, a missing person investigation was launched and her body was discovered in the car.

A post-mortem examination carried out at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday established that Ms Brella had been murdered, police said.

Police said more than 60 detectives are working on the investigation. Lines of enquiry include going house-to-house and property searches.

Officers are also looking into CCTV footage and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition).

“We are of course continuing to appeal for any information that will help us piece together exactly what happened as we work to get justice for Harshita,” Ch Insp Cash said.

“I urge anyone listening to or reading this statement, that if you saw anything suspicious in the past week or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us.

“We would always rather receive well-meaning information that turns out to be nothing as opposed to not receiving it all.”

The force said it had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact it had with Ms Brella.