Teenage girl found dead outside flats

A murder inquiry was launched today after the body of a teenage girl was found outside a block of flats.

The girl, in her mid to late teens, was discovered in a yard adjacent to Outram Place in Islington, north London, yesterday afternoon.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a 19-year-old man was arrested today in connection with the incident.

It is understood the 19-year-old man in custody is the girl's boyfriend. Her family is believed to live a short distance away.

Paramedics were called when the girl's body was found at about 3.30pm yesterday but she was confirmed dead at the scene.

The spokesman added: "We believe we know the identity of the female, aged in her mid to late teens, but next of kin are still to be informed.

"A post-mortem has been scheduled for today at St Pancras Mortuary.

"An investigation has been launched by the Homicide and Serious Crime Command under Detective Chief Inspector John Macdonald.

"We retain an open mind at this early stage regarding the circumstances of the death."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.