Indian-origin Patel woman found murdered in UK

From Aditi Khanna
London

A 44-year-old Indian-origin woman in the UK was found dead in her London home, prompting the Scotland Yard to launch a manhunt for a male suspect who is believed to have met the victim online.

Usha Patel was found dead in her Cricklewood flat in northwest London, where she lived with her five-year-old autistic son.

The Metropolitan Police have said they are on the hunt for Miles Donnelly, 34, who is believed to have met the victim online.

Donnelly, who is described as a white man about 5 feet 11 inches tall with his last known address in Paddington in west London is believed to visit a number of London boroughs.

Met police Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner said: “Inquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances of Usha’s death and as part of these enquiries I am very keen to speak to Miles Donnelly, aka Miles Ryan, as he may have information which could assist me.

“I would appeal directly to him to contact the police so that we can speak to him. It is possible that he will look to friends and associates for support, and I urge them not to get involved but to contact us instead. I would like to reassure anyone who is worried about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”

The cause behind Patel’s death, reportedly on Thursday was not immediately known, but a post-mortem will take place soon.

Patel’s neighbours said she had lived at the property for about nine years.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson has appealed people not to approach Donnely if they have seen him, but to inform them instead.

PTI