A man has been charged with murder after the body of a man was found in a shopping centre car park.

The Met was called to the Stratford Centre in the early hours of Wednesday morning (January 10) where they discovered the body in a parked car.

The force had been alerted by Hampshire Police after a member of the public raised the alarm about someone who had potentially been harmed in London.

Vasile Gorghescu, 41, of Rayner Gardens in Southampton, was arrested that same day and charged with murder yesterday (January 11).

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today (January 12).

Police are still working to confirm the dead man’s identity and inform his next of kin.

A spokesperson said that a post-mortem examination is expected to take place “in due course”.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who is responsible for policing in Newham, said: “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 to contact police.”

Anyone who has information or material that could help police should call 101 quoting reference CAD 4130/09Jan.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.