BODY IN THE VAN: Police believe dead man found in Leicester may have been murdered in London

AN investigation into the death of a man whose body was found in a van in Leicester has been transferred to the Metropolitan Police.

Police were called to a car park in Garden Street just after 5.30pm on Wednesday (27 May) 2026 by a member of the public reporting concern about the condition of the vehicle.

When officers forced entry to the van, the body of a man was found inside.

Enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the man's death were undertaken by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), supported by officers from Leicestershire Police.

Following a search at a property in Hounslow yesterday (Saturday), the Metropolitan Police has now taken primacy for the investigation.

A 39-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody and enquiries are also continuing to locate the man's next of kin.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Work is ongoing to identify the man and inform his next of kin.

"The van was registered to an address in Hounslow in south-west London and on Friday, 29 May a 39-year-old woman was arrested in Hounslow on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody where she is being questioned by detectives.

"Following the arrest, and as a result of other enquiries, the investigation was passed to the Met on Saturday, 30 May and a crime scene was established at a house in Sutton Dene, Hounslow.

"An investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the man's death is ongoing."

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, leading the investigation, said: “I’d like to thank Leicestershire Police for their initial enquiries, which led to a swift arrest.

“As we piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we urge the public to come forward with any information, particularly if you recognise the van, or think you may have captured it on a doorbell or dashcam footage travelling to Leicester in the lead up to Wednesday, 27 May.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 9873/28MAY. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated major incident portal remains open for the public to provide information directly to the investigation team: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I80-PO1

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