In a recent development, the man whose lifeless body was discovered abandoned in a car park in East London last week has been identified for the first time. The victim, Chaudhary Mahmood, aged 45, hailed from the Newham area. His body was found in the early hours of Wednesday, January 10, inside a vehicle parked in the Stratford Centre car park.
The Metropolitan Police received information from a concerned member of the public the day before, expressing worries about Mr Mahmood’s safety and the potential harm he might have faced in London. Acting promptly on this tip, the police managed to trace a vehicle to the Stratford Centre car park around 1:17 am the following morning. There, they discovered the lifeless body of a man believed to be Chaudhary Mahmood.
In a significant development, a man was arrested the same morning at a residential address in Hampshire on suspicion of murder. The arrested individual, Vasile Gorghescu, aged 41, residing at Rayners Gardens in Southampton, appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 12. Subsequently, he was remanded in custody and later appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, January 15.
One of Mr. Mahmood’s relatives informed MyLondon that he was born in Sargodha, Pakistan, while another revealed that he was employed at a mobile phone store within the Stratford Centre.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, responsible for policing in Newham, offered reassurance to the local community following the discovery of Mr Mahmood’s body, stating, “I know many local people use the Stratford Centre every day, and this incident will, of course, cause considerable concern to shoppers and retailers. I would like to reassure people that a man has been charged, but if you have information that you think could help us, I ask that you contact the police.
Anyone possessing information or evidence that could aid the ongoing investigation has been urged to contact the police at 101, quoting reference CAD 4130/09Jan. Alternatively, individuals can maintain complete anonymity by reaching out to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111