Met police takes over probe after man found dead inside Leicester van, woman arrested in London

A murder investigation launched after the body of a man was found inside a van in Leicester has been taken over by the Metropolitan Police, following significant developments that led detectives to west London.The victim's body was found inside a white Ford Transit van parked in Garden Street, Leicester, after Leicestershire Police responded to reports from a concerned member of the public at around 5.30pm on Wednesday.Investigators traced the vehicle to an address in Hounslow, south-west London, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of murder on Friday. She remains in police custody and is being questioned by detectives.Following the arrest and further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police assumed control of the investigation on Saturday and established a crime scene at a property in Sutton Dene, Hounslow.Police said efforts are underway to formally identify the deceased man and locate his next of kin. Officers have not yet disclosed details regarding the circumstances of his death.The van involved in the case has been identified as a white Ford Transit bearing registration number BF18 VNV.Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, praised Leicestershire Police for their initial work that resulted in a swift arrest."As we piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we urge the public to come forward with any information, particularly if they recognise the van or may have captured it on doorbell or dashcam footage travelling to Leicester before Wednesday," he said.Police are continuing to investigate the movements of the vehicle and the events leading up to the man's death.