Woman’s B0dy Discovered After Neighbours Raised Alarm Over Strong Smell; Man Charged With M-rder

Woman’s B0dy Discovered After Neighbours Raised Alarm Over Strong Smell; Man Charged With M-rder

A tragic discovery inside a former police station converted into apartments has left a southeast London community in shock after neighbours reported a foul smell coming from one of the flats.

Police have identified the victim as 47-year-old Barbara McCann, who had only moved into the Catford Hill apartment block about a week before she was found d3ad on June 9.

Authorities have since charged a 32-year-old man with m-rder.

Neighbours Became Concerned About a Strong Smell

According to neighbours, concerns grew after a strong odor began coming from Barbara’s flat.

One resident told Metro that the building manager eventually entered the apartment to check on her welfare and discovered the body.

“There was a terrible smell. The building manager went in to check, and they found the body. It must have been there for a few days,” the neighbour said.

Residents described Barbara as a “lovely, friendly lady” who had recently moved into the building after previously living in emergency accommodation.

Forensics Descended on the Scene

Police responded to concerns for the welfare of a woman at the property shortly before midday on June 9.

Barbara was pronounced d3ad at the scene, and specialist officers have been supporting her family.

Neighbours said detectives and forensic teams flooded the building in the days that followed.

“It’s all ironic, given that this used to be a police station,” one resident remarked.

Another mother who lives across the street recalled seeing numerous police vehicles and forensic investigators collecting evidence while detectives conducted door-to-door inquiries and reviewed CCTV footage.

Man Arrested and Charged

Investigators later traced their inquiries to west London, where 32-year-old Derek Bradshaw was arrested in Hillingdon.

Bradshaw, of Hanover Circle in Hayes, was subsequently charged with m-rder and made his first appearance in court on June 16.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin, who is leading the investigation, said the force’s thoughts remain with Barbara’s loved ones.

“Our thoughts remain with Barbara’s family at this unimaginably difficult time,” Franklin said.

He urged anyone with information about her d3ath to contact police immediately.

Community Left Reeling

The case has deeply shaken the local community, with many residents struggling to comprehend the tragedy that unfolded just yards from their homes.

Friends and neighbours remembered Barbara as a kind and friendly woman whose life was cut short far too soon.

As detectives continue piecing together the circumstances surrounding her d3ath, residents say they hope answers—and justice—will come for her family.

References

Metro UK, June 17, 2026
Metropolitan Police
Statements from Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin
Court proceedings involving Derek Bradshaw
Witness accounts provided to Metro UK