The body of a woman found with stab wounds at a flat in Kilburn has sparked a murder investigation.
Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command team are investigating the death of the female who lived in the flat alone.
The Metropolitan Police said it was called to reports concerning the welfare of a person at an address in Fernhead Road shortly before 1am on Monday (May 29).
A neighbour raised concerns and officers forced entry into the property where they found the body of a 32-year-old woman.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the deceased is known and next-of-kin have been informed.
Formal identification will take place in due course.
Initially the death was treated as unexplained, however following a post-mortem examination, was deemed suspicious.
An examination at Westminster Mortuary on Wednesday (May 31) concluded the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
Leading the investigation is detective chief inspector Nicola Wall. She said: "We know that the victim lived alone and her family who live in Italy last heard from her on May 21.
"Officers attended her home address on May 29 following concerns raised by a neighbour and the decision was taken to force entry into the property.
"We have established that victim was in the Kilburn area on 22 May but we further need to understand her movements from this date onwards.
"Whilst enquiries are ongoing to establish the motive for the attack, it is considered likely that the motive is linked to the victim being a sex worker.
"I would urge sex workers in the London area to be extra vigilant at this time, we are working hard to identify the attacker but we urgently require their assistance.
"If you have any concerns about a recent client's behaviour, especially where threats or violence have been used do come and speak with us."
As yet no arrests have been made and police enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 7858244 or via Twitter @MetCC
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who wishes to report information anonymously to National Ugly Mugs (NUM) - an organisation which provides protection for sex workers should visit the site.
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