Hina Bashir: New police appeal after man charged with murder of student, 21, whose body was found in Upminster

Detectives have launched a fresh appeal for information about the death of Hina Bashir, whose body was found in a rural road in east London.

The 21-year-old Pakistani student who recently moved to Manor Park, Newham, was reported missing on July 14.

Hina worked part time with a security company, and when she failed to turn up for work - which was out of character - police were alerted.

Three days later Hina’s body was found in Folkes Lane, Upminster, a country lane on the border of Greater London and Essex.

The remote road is next to the M25, and is home to several businesses and farms amongst the fields.

Mohammed Arslan, 26, of Natal Road, Ilford, was charged with the murder on Monday.

He appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court later the same day where he was remanded to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Detectives believe that Arslan was known to Hina and have said that the cause of death is still under investigation.

While formal identification is yet to take place, officers have informed Hina’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers.

The Met’s Murder Squad is desperate to speak to anyone who had encountered Hina since her recent move to the UK.

Det Ch Insp Dave Whellams explained: “My thoughts are with Hina’s family who have suffered a terrible loss.

“We will provide them with whatever support we can.

“We are continuing our work to develop a full understanding of what happened to Hina, not just in recent days but in the weeks prior to this terrible incident.

“I know that Hina hadn’t been in the UK for too long.

“I would urge anyone who may have known her to come forward.

“Any information that you hold could be important to the investigation.”

Hina’s death has come just weeks after the brutal killing of Zara Aleena in a stranger attack in Ilford.

“I know that local people will be distressed to hear that another woman has lost her life in a shocking and violent incident in east London,” Ch Supt Simon Crick said.

“My deepest condolences go out to Hina’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I will be engaging with local community leaders to offer my support and to reassure them that we are doing all we can to keep our communities safe.”

Information can be provided by calling police on 101 (reference 2674/14JUL) or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.