Ilford man charged with murder following the discovery of a body in Upminster.

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a body in Folkes Lane, Upminster in the early hours of Sunday, 17 July.

While formal identification is yet to take place, the family of 21-year-old Hina Bashir, who had been reported missing from Ilford, have been informed. They are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

On Monday, 18 July, Mohammed Arslan, 26, (01/09/1995) of Natal Road, Ilford was charged with murder. He will appear at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on today.

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.

“We are continuing our work to develop a full 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 may 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.