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 before her body was discovered on June 9, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a community in shock.
According to information obtained by UMVA, neighbours reported that McCann seemed like a "perfectly lovely, friendly lady" who had recently moved in after being in emergency accommodation.
A neighbour expressed concern and sadness, saying: "We are all devastated that this has happened and our hearts go out to her family. She lived alone as far as I could see."
The neighbour revealed that a terrible smell coming from McCann's flat raised concerns among residents, ultimately leading to the discovery of her body, which had been there for several days.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that police responded to concerns for the welfare of a woman inside a property on Catford Hill at 11:35am on the day of the discovery, and McCann was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives have been working tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding McCann's death, trawling through CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door inquiries to gather evidence.
A 32-year-old man, Derek Bradshaw, was arrested in connection with McCann's death and charged with murder, appearing in court for the first time on June 16.
As the investigation continues, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: "Our thoughts remain with Barbara's family at this unimaginably difficult time. If you have any information about Barbara's death, no matter how small, please assist our investigation by contacting us as a matter of urgency."
The community remains shaken by the incident, with residents expressing their sadness and concern for the victim's family, and the police investigation is ongoing.
