A Thai woman has been stabbed to death in London, with police criticised for their slow response to concerns for her welfare.
Kamonnan Thiamphanit, also known as Angela, was stabbed to death in a luxury property in the affluent Westminster area of the English capital. The 27 year old’s body was found on Monday morning, April 8, when police forced their way into the £4-million property near Hyde Park.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, neighbours say they heard two “high-pitched screams”, followed by silence, hours before the victim’s body was discovered.
In Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a Thai national has been stabbed to death in the UK. It’s understood the Thai Embassy in London is in contact with Ms Thiamphanit’s family and following up with the Met Police.
Meanwhile, British media reports say a friend of the victim contacted police on Sunday evening to express concern about her welfare. However, officers did not go to her home until some 13 hours later.
The Met Police have confirmed they were contacted at 7.05pm on Sunday evening and again just after 9.30pm, by the same person.
“The woman was initially graded as a medium risk missing person prior to the discovery of her body.”
The police went to the victim’s home at 8.30am the following morning and forced their way in, finding the woman’s body with several stab wounds. A subsequent post-mortem found that she died from “sharp force trauma”.
According to the Bangkok Post, there is speculation that Ms Thiamphanit may have known her attacker. The property has a video entry system at the front door and police found no sign of a forced entry.
The force says it has referred its handling of the investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton has urged anyone with any information that could lead to Ms Thiamphanit’s killer to come forward.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that maybe, to come forward and speak to us. Kamonnan’s family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account.”
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
