Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman’s body was discovered in a car boot in east London.

The woman, who has not been named but is understood to be from Corby, Northamptonshire, could be the victim of a “targeted incident”, police said.

Supt Steve Freeman of Northamptonshire police said police were called on Wednesday by a member of the public concerned about the woman’s welfare.

“Fast-track inquiries were made which sadly led to the discovery of a woman’s body inside the boot of a vehicle in the Ilford area of London,” he said.

“We are treating the death as suspicious and a murder investigation has been launched.”

Meanwhile, detectives from the East Midlands special operations unit major crime team and the Metropolitan police have been working as part of the investigation.

Freeman added: “The investigation is ongoing and there will be continued police activity over the weekend in various locations, including Corby and Ilford.

“Although we believe that this was a targeted incident and there is no wider risk to members of the public, extra patrols will be taking place in Corby in the coming days for reassurance purposes.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.