Six men have been arrested in Hounslow in connection with the brutal killing of young mother who had her hand chopped off before receiving a fatal head wound.

Geeta Aulakh was on her way to pick up her two young boys, aged eight and nine, when the attack happened. She was found just yards from her child-minder's home.

The 28-year-old, of Greenford, was found suffering from a head wound in Braund Avenue, Greenford by a passer-by who called the emergency services at about 7pm yesterday.

She was rushed to Charing Cross Hospital but died about four hours later at 11.20pm.

The six men were arrested yesterday morning in Vicarage Farm Road, Heston, and taken to Hounslow Police Station. They remain in custody.

Police are appealing for information.

Acting detective chief inspector Andy Chalmers said: "When the victim was found we know that a lot of people were in the street and that several people may have tried to administer first aid before the police or ambulance arrived.

"These people left the scene before speaking to police and I would ask that anyone who was there, or anyone else who has information about the incident, call us in the strictest of confidence."

Call the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.