Man re-arrested over 'unexpected death' of Wanstead woman - more toxicology results needed

A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the unexpected death of a woman was re-arrested in connection with items recovered by police from her address.

Lorena Ciupeanu, 28, a Romanian national, died in hospital after she was found critically ill at her home in Hermon Hill, Wanstead, east London, at around 2:30am on Saturday, 5 November 2022.

A man known to the woman aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed pending further enquiries.

It is understood he was taken ill after his arrest.

Police spent several days searching the address and removed a number of items, although they stress it is not currently a murder investigation.

A Met Police spokesman said: "We’re not discussing the health of the arrested man but he remains on bail. In terms of grounds of arrest, the man was arrested on suspicion of murder; however this is not at present a ‘homicide investigation’.

"The death is classified by the Met as ‘unexpected and under investigation’. He remains on bail.

"He was further arrested on Thursday, 17 November in relation to items officers recovered from the woman’s address. We are unable to discuss further whilst the investigation is ongoing."

He was bailed until early February.

A special post-mortem examination has given early indications that a drug overdose was a possible cause of death. We await the results of further tests.

Officers are appealing for anyone who knew Lorena Ciupeanu but have yet to speak with police to contact them via 101 quoting reference 804/05Nov. They also wish to hear from anyone else with information that may assist their investigation.

Due to previous police contact with the deceased, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

No inquest has been opened yet due to further toxicology results being required.

The spokesman added: "It may take a few weeks more for toxicology to come back, we’re waiting on that."