The family of a ‘beloved’ young woman found dead in a luxury north London flat have told of their ‘grief’ after six people were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Clara Bale, 23, was discovered unresponsive at an address in Bollinder Place, Islington on Thursday morning.
Police were called at 9.33am following concerns for the welfare of a woman inside the apartment and Ms Bale was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
Officers arrested four women, aged 20, 21, 23 and 26, and two men, aged 21 and 24 at the scene on suspicion of murder. They have all since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Ms Bale’s family have now paid tribute, describing her as a ‘brilliant young woman filled with dreams, a bright light whose loss has left an immeasurably void in our lives’.
The family added: ‘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.’
Clara Bale (pictured), 23, was discovered unresponsive at an address in Bollinder Place, Islington on Thursday morning
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller, who is leading the police investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Clara’s family and loved ones following her tragic death.
‘The police investigation is ongoing and we are making good progress in establishing the events leading up to Clara’s death, including speaking to a number of witnesses.
‘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.’
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 3700/06AUG.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
On Monday afternoon, there were two forensics vans on Bollinder Place, and a police officer was seen walking out of Valencia Tower.
One resident said her housemate saw water on the floor of the building and a man in handcuffs coming out of the lifts.
Michelle You, 30, who has lived in the area for more than two years, said: ‘My housemate said she saw a guy in handcuffs in the lift and she said there was loads of water on the ground. It was like they had caught him in the shower or something.’
Forensics vans are pictured at the scene on Bollinder Place in Islington, north London, where the 23-year-old was allegedly murdered
Another resident said police had closed the spa in the basement of Valencia Tower while they conducted inquiries.
They added: ‘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.”
One resident of a nearby block of flats, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘You could hear the police on Thursday morning, it was frantic, I thought it was from the McDonald’s.
‘It all happened inside the building, it wasn’t someone falling out.’
