A 21-year-old woman found stabbed to death in an alley in a green area of West London was identified today as a Polish citizen after a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Anya Yedrkovyak, who suffered multiple stab wounds, has been pronounced dead at the scene of the incident in the prestigious South Ealing, despite the efforts of paramedics in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Scotland Yard detectives said a 20-year-old man was detained after police officers were called to the scene shortly after midnight but then released without further action.
Then, later yesterday, a second 29-year-old man – whom police said was known to Miss Jedrkowiak – was arrested on suspicion of murder and detained, where he remains today.
Locals said they woke up to “excitement” after hearing sirens and shouts in the early hours of the alley behind several single-family homes.
Several officers were present at the scene of the knife stabbing along with the London ambulance and the London air ambulance. Police are talking to Ms. Yedrkovyak’s close relatives, who are supported by specialists.
The victim, identified as 21-year-old Anya Yedrkovyak, was found with stab wounds in an alley yesterday.
Police at the South Ealing scene yesterday after Miss Jedrkowiak was pronounced dead despite paramedics’ efforts
Forensic investigator at the Church Gardens accident site in South Ealing yesterday as Scotland Yard continues investigation
A large police cordon remained at the scene around the crime scene last night, which included Grange School, Grange Nursery and Grange Pre-School – which were closed to students.
The stage is also close to St. Mary’s Church, a Victorian-built Anglican church and the main building of the University of West London.
Families living near the alley – which is often used as a shortcut for people walking to the nearby London Underground station – said they avoid the “poorly lit” place after dark.
“I never go down there after it’s dark,” said a mother whose home is across the street. “It is very narrow and there is almost no room for two people to go through each other. There is not much street lighting and it is somewhere I do not go down if I can avoid it.
Other locals said it was known to be visited by drug dealers and users late at night. One said: “It’s quite shocking – I don’t know anyone who would walk through this alley at night.
“It’s always been a little rough and something to avoid – lots of drug trafficking and things like that. This morning I heard commotion, sirens and many shouts. That woke me up.
Several police officers were present at the scene of the knife stabbing yesterday along with the London Ambulance and the Air Ambulance
Locals said they woke up from “doubt” after hearing sirens and shouting in the early hours of yesterday
A 21-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in an alley in green West London early yesterday morning
Another, who did not want to be named, added: “It’s pretty scary considering it happened so close to school.”
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have now made a second arrest, which we believe is very important in this investigation. The victim and the suspect were known.
“We are looking at CCTV cameras and talking to all the witnesses who have appeared. However, we are always happy to hear from anyone else who has not yet spoken to us, but who thinks they may have seen or heard something, no matter how small, that might help.
In particular, we would call anyone who lives or has traveled in the South Ealing Road area between 11.15pm on Monday, May 16th and 1am the next day, or anyone who has CCTV or a doorbell camera, or camera, check it out for something that looks unusual.
Several detectives were spotted working in the area late yesterday with a police dog unit.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who is in charge of West London police, including Ealing, said: “This is a tragic incident that I know is a shock to the local community.
“Officers remain at the scene while our searches and forensic examinations continue. Tonight and in the coming days we will have additional visible patrols in the area. We are grateful to those who live and work nearby for their support and understanding as we continue our work. We are aware of the inconvenience it has caused.
Locals said the South Ealing area is known to be visited by drug dealers and late-night users.
A number of forensic scientists were spotted working in the South Ealing area yesterday along with the police dog department
Residents heard loud noises coming from the alley in South Ealing yesterday, which passes behind single-family homes
“Whenever possible, we have taken steps to allow businesses and other places such as the local church to reopen as soon as our investigation allows. I especially mean the proximity of this incident to a local school – something that meant the school had to stay closed on Tuesday.
“I know that parents will be afraid and I would like to assure them that we are working with the school to ensure that children can continue to study with minimal breaks. We expect to be able to open again from Wednesday morning.
“If anyone in the community has concerns, I would encourage them to talk to an employee, contact their neighborhood police team, or call the 101 emergency number.”
Yesterday, Chief Superintendent Wilson also said: “This is a really shocking incident that will understandably cause serious concern among the local community and Londoners in general.
“Violence of all kinds, but especially against women and girls, has a profound effect on communities and this will understandably affect the trust of the people in the area who do their daily business.
“I want to assure the Ealing community that a team of specialized homicide detectives has launched an investigation and they will use their skills and experience to ensure that everyone who is responsible is brought to justice.”
Police urge anyone with information to call 101 anonymously or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (ref 77/17 MAY)
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