Shahana Uddin murder probe: Victim had been assaulted, say police
A woman found dead at a house in Watford had been physically assaulted, murder detectives have said.
Police called to the property in Leavesden Road on Saturday found Shahana Uddin, 19, with fatal injuries. She was declared dead at the scene.
Four men were arrested on suspicion of the teenager's murder on Saturday. On Tuesday two women and a girl were held on suspicion of her murder.
All seven remain in custody, Hertfordshire Police said.
Officers went to the house after receiving reports of "concern for the welfare of a woman at the property".
A post-mortem examination revealed Miss Uddin died as a result of injuries sustained in a physical assault.
Det Insp Fraser Wylie said: "Yesterday [Tuesday] was Shahana's 20th birthday, but instead of marking such a significant milestone in a young woman's life, police are now appealing for information to help us investigate her murder."
The seven people arrested on suspicion of murdering Miss Uddin are four men, aged 23, 26, 32 and 33, and two women, aged 21 and 31, and a 17-year-old girl.
All are from Watford.
Mr Wylie appealed to friends who might have seen Miss Uddin on Friday, or anyone she "may have confided in", to come forward.
"A young woman has lost her life and we need to establish what has happened to her and find those responsible. I would urge you to please do the right thing and call us," he said.