UPDATE: eight people arrested in connection with Watford woman's death released on bail

A Watford woman was beaten to death days before her twentieth birthday, police have revealed today.

Shahana Uddin was pronounced dead at a house in Leavesden Road after police were called to the property amid ‘concerns for a woman’s welfare’ shortly after 9.15am on Saturday.

A post-mortem revealed the 19-year-old - who should have been celebrating her twentieth birthday yesterday - died as a result of injuries sustained from a physical assault, police said.

Detective Inspector Fraser Wylie, from the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said:

"Yesterday was Shahana’s twentieth birthday, but instead of marking such a significant milestone in a woman’s life we are now appealing for information to help investigate her murder.

"I am particularly appealing to friends and associates of Shahana to come forward. You may have vital information which could assist our investigation. 

Watford Observer:

Shahana Uddin

"Did you know Shahana? You may have known her as Shehana. Were you friends with her and did she ever confide in you? 

"Did you see Shahana on Friday October 10 or did you have any contact with her in recent weeks? 

"I would like to stress to anyone who may be able to help, but who may be nervous about doing so - that if you do have information it will be treated in strict confidence."

Officers arrested four men - aged 33, 32, 26 and 23 - on suspicion of murder on Saturday.

A further three women - aged 31, 21 and 17 - were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday. 

DI Wylie said: "Although we have made arrests in connection with this investigation, we need the public’s help. 

"Please 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 do the right thing and call us."

Call police on the 101 enquiry line or the incident room number on 01707 355666 with any information.
Alternatively, you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • A 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday, October 15.

If you wish to pay tribute to Shahana, email your thoughts to editor@watfordobserver.co.uk.