Manhunt underway as husband named as prime suspect in 'body in boot' murder

Police have launched an international manhunt for the husband of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car.

Northamptonshire Police have named Pankaj Lamba as the prime suspect in the murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, from Corby. Police said Ms Brella is believed to have been killed "earlier this month" after her body was found in the boot of a car in London on Thursday.

Chief Inspector Paul Cash told a press conference in Kettering on Sunday afternoon: "Inquiries lead us to suspect that Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband Pankaj Lamba. We suspect Lamba transported Harshita’s body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car. We believe he has now fled the country."

READ MORE: Neighbour heard 'loud argument' at Harshita Brella's home before tragic discovery

A murder inquiry was launched after her body was found inside the boot of the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, in the early hours of Thursday. The force said it was contacted on Wednesday by a member of the public concerned for her welfare.

Officers went to her home in Skegness Walk, Corby, but did not find her. A missing person investigation was launched and her body was found in the car in the early hours of Thursday.

A post-mortem examination established that she had been murdered.