Police have formally identified the woman discovered deceased in a residential property in Ilford during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The victim has been named as 58-year-old Vanessa Puntney-Chadha.
Arrest and Charge Following Tragic Discovery
Metropolitan Police officers were called to an address on Applegarth Drive in Ilford, East London, at approximately 4am on Tuesday, January 27. Upon arrival, they found the body of Vanessa Puntney-Chadha. A suspect was swiftly apprehended at the scene.
Dalip Chadha, aged 57 and also of Applegarth Drive, was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been charged with murder and is scheduled to appear before Barkingside Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday, January 28.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Detective Inspector Nikki Hardy, from the Met's Specialist Crime North unit, has issued a statement regarding the case. "Our thoughts are with the woman's loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time," she said. "We acknowledge the distress this news is likely to cause in the local community, and are working hard to establish exactly what happened."
The detective inspector confirmed that a suspect remains in police custody and emphasised that authorities are not currently seeking any other individuals in relation to this investigation. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are actively continuing.
Appeal for Information from the Public
Investigators are urging anyone with information that could assist their enquiries to come forward. Members of the public with relevant details are asked to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting the specific crime reference number: 761/27JAN.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Ilford community, with local residents expressing their condolences and concern following the police announcement. The case highlights the ongoing work of the Metropolitan Police in investigating serious crimes across the capital.
