"this man and Hina were known to each other."
The body of a 21-year-old woman was found days after she was reported missing in London, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
Hina Bashir went missing in Ilford, east London, earlier in the week, leading police to begin searching for her.
Police have now arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman was found in Havering in the early hours of July 17, 2022.
The Met Police said that while formal identification is yet to take place, they have informed Ms Bashir’s family.
The family are being supported by specialist officers.
Officers are “confident” that the man and Hina knew each other. The man, identified as Mohammed Arslan, remains in custody.
It is not confirmed exactly where the woman’s body was found.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“My thoughts are with Hina’s family who have suffered a terrible loss.
“We will provide them with whatever support we can.
“This has been a fast-moving investigation and a man is in custody. We are confident that this man and Hina were known to each other.
“As our investigation progresses we will be working to develop our understanding of what happened to Hina, not just in recent days but in the weeks prior to this terrible incident.
“I would urge anyone who believes they have information which could assist us to come forward.”
Information can be provided by calling police on 101 (reference 2674/14JUL) or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The issue of violence towards women and girls in London has attracted national attention.
But there has been an increase in 2022 so far compared to 2021.
Previously, 35-year-old Zara Aleena was attacked whilst on her way home from a night out. She was attacked in the early hours of June 26.
Paramedics arrived at the scene at 2:45 am after Zara was found by members of the public.
The aspiring lawyer later died in hospital.
At the time, Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell said:
“It is now believed that she was the victim of an opportunist stranger attack.
“Her family are aware of this and they will continue to be updated.”
Jordan McSweeney, aged 29, of Dagenham, was charged with murder. He was also charged with attempted penetration without consent and robbery.
McSweeney is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 30, 2022.
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