Sadness and confusion locally over murder as police hunt husband

2 days ago 5

Northamptonshire Police Harshita Brella smiles at the camera as she is photographed outside. There is a large green hedge behind her. She is wearing a beige polo-necked jumper and has long dark hair. She is wearing earrings.

People have spoken of their sadness and confusion after the suspected murder of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car more than 100 miles from her home.

Police believe Pankaj Lamba murdered his wife Harshita Brella in Northamptonshire earlier this month.

The 24-year-old's body was discovered in Ilford, east London, and the suspect is believed to have fled the country.

"I don’t understand how people can do [something] like that," said Aleksanders Nadejs, who lives in the same road as the couple in Corby.

"I'm feeling sad - I don't understand."

Kate Bradbrook/BBC A man in a unzipped black coat. He is wearing a black t-shirt with a yellow striped design. He is standing outside a block of flats.

Prashant Odedara, who works at a nearby convenience store, said Ms Brella and Mr Lamba visited the shop "once or twice a week" and "didn't talk much about themselves".

He said: "Unlike other customers they were very friendly. We didn’t know much about them…they were just quiet.

"They were like normal working people. What was happening in their personal private life we don’t know much about."

Kate Bradbrook/BBC A man wearing a blue coat which is zipped up. He has a beard and moustache. He is standing inside a shop with liquors and vaping supplies visible on the shelf behind him

Officers said Ms Brella was found in the early hours of Thursday in the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, more than 100 miles from her home on the Lincoln estate in Corby.

They believe Mr Lamba transported her there.

Northamptonshire Police had been contacted on the Wednesday regarding concerns for her welfare.

A map partly showing the midlands and part of south-east England including central London. The town of Corby in Northamptonshire is labelled, as is Ilford in London. They are about 100 miles apart

Northamptonshire Police Custody photo of Pankaj Lamba against a grey background. He has dark facial hair, brown eyes and is looking at the camera.

The force said it had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because there was previous contact with Ms Brella.

The Northamptonshire Telegraph first reported she was the subject of a domestic violence protection order, saying it was made in early September and lasted 28 days.

Police have since confirmed the order had been in place before Ms Brella's death.

Northamptonshire Police said a forensic post-mortem examination, which took place at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday, established Ms Brella was murdered.