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.
The victim had only lived in the apartment for around a week, having recently moved in from emergency accommodation. Neighbors described her as a "lovely, friendly" lady, and their concerns grew when a stench was noticed coming from her flat.
A neighbor reported that the building manager discovered the body after investigating the smell, which had been present for a few days. The neighbor expressed devastation and shared that Ms. McCann lived alone.
The police investigation revealed that detectives were trawling through CCTV footage and conducting door-to-door inquiries. Forensic experts were also present at the scene, which added an eerie irony given the building's history as a former police station.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Derek Bradshaw, 32, was arrested in connection with Ms. McCann's death and has been charged with murder. He appeared in court for the first time on June 16.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Ms. McCann's family and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The family of the victim is being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time. The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking any information that could help bring justice to Ms. McCann and her loved ones.
