Kidnap and murder suspect dies in police cell as missing woman's body found

07 September 2023 , 10:07

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Gabriela Kosilko went missing at the end of August

A man who was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder after being linked to the disappearance of Gabriela Kosilko has died in his prison cell.

Police confirmed the man, aged 30, was found unresponsive and was declared dead at the scene on Wednesday morning.

Gabriela failed to return home from work on August 31 and was reported missing the next day. In a statement issued today, police confirmed they found a body in woodland close to Groby Pool in Leicestershire on Wednesday afternoon. They believe the body is Gabriela's.

The beautician was last seen purchasing some food and drinks at a shop at around 11.30pm on August 31. Her car was found abandoned on the side of a country road. Her close friend Michal Kasprzycki had previously told the Independent that she "looked so happy" when he last saw her two weeks ago. He said: "She seemed so well. She had split with her boyfriend sometime ago and seriously she looked so happy. We chatted for about ten minutes and it all looked great for her."

Police have found a body in a woodland in Leicestershire

The suspect is believed to be known to Gabriela. His death will be investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Leicestershire Police said it is fully cooperating with the investigation.

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Det Chief Insp Sinski has urged anyone with information to get in touch with the force. He added: "Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Gabriela’s death continue and anyone who may have any information is asked to get in touch. If you were driving along Newtown Linford Lane around 2.20pm on Friday (September 1) please check your dashcam footage and get in touch if you captured a red Audi A1 parked on the side of the road or saw anyone driving it or sitting in the vehicle. Equally, if you were in Ratby Lane area during Friday afternoon please get in touch if you saw the vehicle or anything which seemed unusual or caused you concern."

He continued: “We would also like to reassure the local community who have been affected by the events of the last few days that officers will remain in the area while further enquiries are conducted.” Anyone with information has been urged to contact Leicestershire Police on 101, 484. Alternatively, you can report information on the force’s website.

Monica Charsley