Clerkenwell: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman, 19, found dead in student halls in London

Police made arrest on Sunday afternoon, hours after naming the victim as Sabita Thanwani

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 19-year-old woman was found dead in student halls in London.

Sabita Thanwani was named by the Met Police on Sunday morning after the tragic discovery in Clerkenwell on Saturday.

Officers were called at around 5.10am to a report of a woman “seriously injured” at the student block.

Despite emergency workers’ best efforts, Ms Thanwani was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrested a man in connection with her death on Sunday afternoon in the Clerkenwell area. He remains in police custody on suspicion of murder and assault.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who leads the investigation, said: “Sabita’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Our deepest condolences are with them. I would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this indescribably devastating time.”

Fellow students living in the block shared their fears over the woman’s death after her body was found, and raised concerns about security in the building.

Unite Students, which runs the block, said: “Our priority at this time is the safety and wellbeing of students at Arbour House”, adding that it was working with the Met and City, University of London.

A spokesperson for the university said: “We will do everything we can to support our students and staff and we will continue to fully support the police with their investigation.”