A man has been charged with the murder of a woman described as 'lovely and friendly' who was found dead in her southeast London flat after neighbours complained about a foul odor.
Discovery of the body
Barbara McCann, 47, had lived in the former police station turned apartment block in Catford for only about a week before she was discovered dead on June 9. A neighbor told Metro that Ms. McCann had recently moved from emergency accommodation and seemed like a 'perfectly lovely, friendly lady.'
Concerns arose when a strong stench began emanating from her flat. 'There was a terrible smell. The building manager went in to check, and they found the body. It must have been there for a few days,' the neighbor said. 'We are all devastated that this has happened and our hearts go out to her family. She lived alone as far as I could see.'
The neighbor noted that forensics and detectives swarmed the building after the discovery. 'It's all ironic, given that this used to be a police station,' she added.
Community reaction
A mother-of-four living opposite the block expressed shock: 'There were so many police on the scene and forensics coming out with evidence. It leaves me cold to think what happened just yards from my place. Detectives have been trawling through CCTV and carrying out door-to-door inquiries.'
Police responded to welfare concerns at a property on Catford Hill at 11:35 am on June 9. Ms. McCann was pronounced dead at the scene, and her family is being supported by specialist officers.
Arrest and charges
Derek Bradshaw, 32, was arrested in Hillingdon, west London, in connection with Ms. McCann's death. He has been charged with murder and appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday, June 16.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin, leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain with Barbara’s family at this unimaginably difficult time. If you have any information about Barbara’s death, no matter how small, please assist our investigation by contacting us as a matter of urgency.'
