Suitcase body is missing woman

A missing airline check-in assistant was strangled, stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in the Thames, police revealed today.

The body of Adeeba Ahmed, who vanished on Valentine's Day, was found in a black Samsonite case washed up at Barnes. Scotland Yard today identified the corpse as hers and police sources confirmed that a 28-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the murder.

Mrs Ahmed, 27, disappeared after being dropped off by her husband at a hair salon in Hounslow on Saturday afternoon, hours before a dinner date with him.

She reportedly told him she would call when she needed picking up but he told police she never rang and failed to return home. Mrs Ahmed, a Pakistani national of Langley, near Slough, also failed to turn up for work at Heathrow's Terminal 3 on Monday.

Friends and family were alarmed when she did not respond to messages left on her mobile. Detectives said she had not taken spare clothes and her bank cards had not been used.

The spot where the suitcase was found was eight miles from the hair salon. Officers said the body had not been in the water long and was not decomposed.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Ahmed had been strangled. She was still in black jumper and trousers, matching the description of her outfit when last seen. Her shoes had been removed to squeeze her into the case.

Her body was found on Monday at about 5pm, although police believe the case was washed up on Sunday morning and could have been put in the water earlier.

Forensic science experts conducted a fingertip search of the scene and a 50-yard stretch of footpath beside the Thames was sealed off.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Ashley, of Scotland Yard's Serious Crime Directorate, appealed to anyone who might have seen someone carrying the suitcase near the Thames.

A police spokesman added that a man, said to be a Heathrow baggage handler, had been arrested on suspicion of murder after a joint operation by the Met and Thames Valley Police.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 7321 9251 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.