Woman, 23, found dead in Islington flat; six arrested on suspicion of murder

Clara Bale, 23, was found unresponsive at a north London flat on 6 August. Six people were arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on bail.

Family mourns 'brilliant' Clara Bale after death at Bollinder Place, Islington

Clara Bale, 23, was found unresponsive at an address in Bollinder Place, Islington, just after 9.30am on 6 August and was pronounced dead at the scene, The Independent reports.

Four women aged 20, 21, 23 and 26, and two men aged 21 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of murder. All six have since been released on bail.

Her family issued a statement through the Metropolitan Police: "Clara was a brilliant young woman filled with dreams, a bright light whose loss has left an immeasurable void in our lives. She embodied hope, resilience and love. Her inspiring aura was felt in every room she entered and in every space she had yet to step into. A beloved friend, daughter and sister who cherished life above all else. Our hearts bleed with grief following her loss. We will forever miss her smile, her presence and her humanity."

Bollinder Place sits within Valencia Tower, where some flats are available to rent at between £4,000 and £6,000 a month and one two-bedroom flat carries an asking price of £800,000.

Residents described an unsettling scene in the building on the morning of her death. Michelle You, 30, who has lived in the area for more than two years, said her housemate witnessed a man being brought out of the lifts in handcuffs. "My housemate said she saw a guy in handcuffs in the lift and she said there was loads of water on the ground," You said. "It was like they had caught him in the shower or something."

A separate resident said police closed the spa in the building's basement during their inquiries. "The police checked the spa in the basement. I think yesterday it was closed, and everyone was like, 'Oh, I want to go to use the swimming pool, but it's closed'," the resident added.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller said officers have spoken to a number of witnesses and are working to establish the sequence of events that led to Miss Bale's death. "I would continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward and speak with officers. Every piece of information helps with our investigation," Waller said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 3700/06AUG. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Source: The Independent