Husband of woman whose body was found in boot of car had been arrested after domestic abuse report

The husband of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car had been arrested two months prior over her domestic abuse report, the police watchdog said.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also said it would investigate police contact with Harshita Brella, 24, and her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23.

Ms Brella's body was found inside the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa parked in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of 14 November.

Her husband Lamba is the prime suspect in the police investigation.

An international manhunt to find him continues. Detectives suspect he has fled the country.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "After assessment of a referral from Northamptonshire Police we have decided to investigate police contact with Harshita Brella, and her husband Pankaj Lamba, prior to her body being found on 14 November.

"We will be examining the police response to Ms Brella's report of domestic abuse made at the end of August this year.

"We understand Mr Lamba was arrested by Northamptonshire Police on 3 September and was released with bail conditions and a domestic violence protection notice imposed on him.

"We will look into further contact Northamptonshire Police had with Ms Brella concerning the case.

"Our investigation will consider the actions and decisions taken by Northamptonshire Police in relation to the report made by Ms Brella and their subsequent investigation."

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