Police release photo of man wanted in connection with murder of Newham woman

Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a woman in Newham have released the name and image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the murder.

Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command urgently want to speak to Miguel Angel Alvarez Florentino, 38, in connection with the murder of 53-year-old Yolanda Saldana Feliz and the attempted murder of 30-year-old woman at a residential property in Windmill Lane, E15 on Sunday, 23 October.

Mr Alvarez Florentino is known to frequent the east London area.

Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Yolanda’s family and friends as well as the family and friends of the injured woman, who remains in hospital recovering from her serious injuries.

“We remain determined to bring the person responsible to justice and we have been working around the clock during this fast-moving investigation.

“We have carried out a number of enquiries, including reviewing hours of CCTV, door knocking and forensics. However, we are now calling on members of the public to help us urgently trace Miguel Angel Alvarez Florentino who we want to speak to in connection with the incident. He may be going by a different name.

“If you have any information on where he might be, please contact us without delay. If you see him, please do not approach him but call police immediately on 999.”

I remain shocked and saddened by this incident and my thoughts and sympathies are with Yolanda’s family and friends. I also wish the injured woman a speedy recovery.

“I know this has caused a great deal of concern for the community, but we believe the suspect was known to the victims and he is not believed to be a threat to anyone else at this time.

“My colleagues from the Specialist Crime Command have been working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. I would now urge the community to help them by getting in touch with any information they may have – including the whereabouts of Mr Alvarez Florentino who they urgently want to talk to.

“There has been an increased police presence in the area of Windmill Lane since Sunday, and this will continue over the coming days. I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak with those officers. They are there to protect and support you.”

Police were called at about 03:35hrs on Sunday October 23, to a residential address in Windmill Lane, E15.

Officers attended London Ambulance Service paramedics and found two women with stab wounds.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, 53-year-old Yolanda Salanda Feliz was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination took place on Tuesday October 25 and gave the cause of death as stab wounds.

The second woman, aged 30, was taken to hospital where she is continuing to receive treatment. Her injuries have been assessed as not life-threatening.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation, including the whereabouts of Mr Alvarez Florentino, is asked to call the incident room directly on 0208 345 3775 or to call police on 101 with the reference 1224/23OCT. Information and any images or footage can also be submitted to the team via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).