The family of a woman, whose body was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, have paid tribute to her, saying “we will never forget you till our last breath".

Harshita Brella was found dead inside the boot of a car parked in Brisbane Road in the early hours of last Thursday (November 14).

Northamptonshire Police began to investigate her disappearance after Ms Brella’s family, who live in New Delhi, asked an acquaintance who lives in the UK to go to a police station.

The 24-year-old was living in Corby, Northampton, but her body was found in east London days later after her reported disappearance.

Speaking to Northamptonshire Police, the family shared out a heart wrenching tribute: “Harshita, you left this world but you are still with us in our hearts and will always be there.

“We will never forget you till our last breath. Always stay with us.

“We miss you in every very moment of our life.”

Harshita BrellaHarshita Brella (Image: Northamptonshire Police)

Her father Satbir Brella began to panic after a message he sent on November 13 remained unread for hours.

He told the Indian Express it was extremely unlike his younger daughter, nicknamed ‘Sweety’, as she spoke to her family daily since moving to London on April 30.

They last shared a 40-minue video call on November 10, as she was making food at her London house.

From there concern began to escalate as WiFI calls to her number failed to connect the day after and calls to his son-in-law were unanswered on November 12.

An international manhunt has since been launched to find Pankaj Lamba, Ms Brella’s husband, who has been named as the prime suspect in the investigation.

It was reported that a 28-day domestic violence protection order was in force in September to protect the victim, which banned the perpetrator of the violence from visiting Ms Brella’s workplace.

Speaking to the Indian Express, Mr Brella’s father said: “She wanted to take time to get married. Since Pankaj lived abroad, we thought it would be a good match.”

After Ms Brella managed to secure a protection order, she was still reportedly scared about what could happen to her.

Her sister Sonia claimed that Lamba lost his job after the domestic violence order.

She added: “He had to work as a delivery boy to make ends meet.

“Harshita was extremely scared, despite police protection and living separately from Pankaj due to the ongoing case.

“She would video call our mother even when she went to the bathroom.”

According to the sister, Ms Brella told the family in their last call she was making dinner for Lamba, as they were set to meet later that day and had been communicating despite the order.

The sister added: “Harshita was extremely excited about her new life – more so, because her birthday is on Christmas and London is extremely beautiful during Christmas.”

Anyone with information about Ms Brella’s death can contact the incident room by calling 101, quoting Operation Westcott, online or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.