UMVA has learned that a 47-year-old woman, Barbara McCann, was found dead in her flat at a former police station turned apartment block in southeast London, leaving behind a trail of shock and devastation.
The victim had only lived in the apartment for around a week, having recently moved in from emergency accommodation, and was described by neighbours as 'lovely' and 'friendly'.
Concerns grew when a terrible smell was noticed coming from Ms McCann's flat, prompting the building manager to investigate, who then discovered her body on June 9.
A neighbour reported that the body had likely been there for several days, and that 'forensics and detectives were all over the flats' after Ms McCann's body was found, adding a sense of irony given the building's past as a police station.
Detectives have been working tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding Ms McCann's death, trawling through CCTV footage and conducting door-to-door inquiries.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Derek Bradshaw, 32, was arrested in connection with Ms McCann's death and has been charged with murder, appearing in court for the first time on June 16.
The investigation is ongoing, with Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin leading the inquiry, and has urged anyone with information to come forward and assist.
The community remains in shock, with residents expressing their sadness and concern, and Ms McCann's family being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time.
The police responded to concerns for the welfare of a woman inside a property on Catford Hill at 11:35 am on the day of the incident, and Ms McCann was pronounced dead at the scene.
