Man charged with murder of woman in Plaistow

A MAN WHO appeared in court last Friday, 3rd April, to answer a charge that he murdered a woman in Newham has been named as Kieran Rifat, 21, of Grange Road, Plaistow. He was remanded in custody.

It was just past 3pm on Thursday, 26th March when police received reports that a body had been seen in the grounds of the Memorial Community Church on Barking Road, E13. Police attended, along with the London Ambulance Service, and found a woman who had suffered multiple injuries. She was declared dead at the scene and a post mortem later confirmed that the cause of her death was impact injuries to the head.

The initial view of the police was that the victim appeared to have been in her early 40s and had been killed in the early hours of Thursday morning. An immediate search of the surrounding area began, causing road closures near the church. The victim was later identified as Kelly Stewart, 41, from Newham but of no fixed abode.

Detective Inspector Darren Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened to the victim […] I need to hear from any witnesses and anyone who may have information that will assist the investigation. I also want to hear from anyone who knew Kelly, who was in contact with her in the weeks before her death and who may know the people with whom she was associating. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family.”

North East Area Borough Commander Richard Tucker said: “This is a shocking incident […] I am grateful for our local community’s support and assistance during this time.”

•Anyone who has information which may assist police is asked to contact them via 101 and quote the reference CAD 3805/25Mar. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

●Read more about it:
Man jailed after attempted rape in Hackney
Police seek witnesses after Hackney man charged with murder