A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of an elderly woman was found in allotments in north west London.

Lea Adri-Soejoko, also known by her maiden name of Lea Hulselman, was discovered dead inside a lock-up store at the allotments in Sheaveshill Avenue, Colindale on Tuesday (February 28).

Her post mortem took place at Northwick Park Hospital on Wednesday (March 1) but police are not disclosing her cause of death at this time.

The pensioner, who lived in the local area, had been reported missing at 1.40am on Tuesday.

Police attended the allotments at 2.05am as part of their search where they found the body.

An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

He said: “At the moment we do not have a motive for Lea’s murder and I am appealing to the public to help us piece together her movements before her death.

“I want to trace anyone who saw Lea or spoke to her from about midday on Sunday through to when she was reported missing.

“Had anything happened in her life that we should be aware of that might provide a motive for what happened? If you have any information at all, no matter how small, please contact us.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone with links to these allotments, who might have visited or been in or around the area throughout Monday, 27 February into the early hours of the following morning.

'Please contact us'

“An elderly woman lost her life in the most tragic way possible and was left inside a storage unit similar to a garage.

"If you know anything please contact us.”

There have been no arrests at this stage.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police at the incident room on 020 8785 8099, via 101 or @MetCC.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous call, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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