Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 35-year-old woman was found dead at a property in Ealing.

Police were called to Holbeck Road, Hanwell on Sunday (September 25) over concerns for a woman's welfare.

Officers forced entry to the premises and found the body of Shakira Spencer, who lived at the Hanwell property.

On Monday a man, 25, and two women, 37 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

A man, 40, and a woman, 78, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries.

Detective chief inspector Brian Howie, leading the investigation, has asked the public to contact his team if they knew Ms Spencer in any capacity and can speak to her movements between 9 and 16 September.

He said: "While we await the outcome of a post-mortem examination to confirm how Shakira died, all the information available points to the fact she has come to harm. I need to know why people would want to harm Shakira.

"Did you see her out and about? Did you have contact with her in any way? If so, did she speak about any concerns she had?

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"I also want to hear from anyone who knew Shakira in any capacity. We need to build a comprehensive picture of Shakira's life so we can begin to understand who might have wanted to harm her."

Local residents, who will see increased police activity around Holbeck Road, were given re-assurance by Detective Superintendent Sharon Brookes of the West Area Command Unit, who said "please don't be alarmed as this forms part of our response to such a serious incident".

She added: "Officers from Ealing will also be in the area to provide reassurance and answer any questions residents may have; I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to them or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team."