Murder hunt after discovery of body of child in suitcase in rafters

The tiny body of an unknown baby has been found stored in a battered suitcase and hidden in a roof.

The grim find was made by builders who uncovered a "secret tomb" within the rafters of a 1930s semi detached suburban house.

Murder squad officers have now launched an inquiry into the discovery - which was made in Willesden Green, North West London.

The body, which officers believe has lain undisturbed for 25 years, was found at the home of Mohammed Chaudhry and his wife, Shabeen.

Mr Chaudhry, who bought the house in 1984, had employed a pair of builders to renew his roof. They had started taking down the old tiles when they noticed a sealed off compartment in the loft.

Inside was a battered old brown leather suitcase and contained within the bag was the baby's body.

Police sources described the corpse as "partially decomposed" but said they were unable to tell what sex it was.

A full post mortem examination will be carried out later this week.
Daily Mail: