A man arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder has died while in police custody

A body has been found in the search for missing Leicester woman Gabriela Kosilko. A man arrested in connection with her disappearance has also died, in a cell while in police custody.

Gabriela was reported missing last Friday (September 1) after failing to return home from work the previous evening, with her car later found abandoned in Leicester’s Ratby Lane. Extensive searches to find the 26-year-old led to multiple areas being cordoned off.

The rear of Tesco in Beaumont Leys had been corodoned off earlier this week, but it was the area around Newtown Linford Lane that was a key area of focus. Officers also searched the waters of Groby Pool.

In a statement today, police confirmed it had found a body in woodland close to Groby Pool on Wednesday afternoon (September 6). Officers say they believe the body is that of Gabriela.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with Gabriela’s disappearance. The man, who is believed to be known to Gabriela, was initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap. He was then further arrested on suspicion of murder.

However, the force said that while in police custody, the man was found unresponsive in his cell on Wednesday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death will now be subject to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), with Leicestershire Police saying it is fully cooperating with it. Investigations into Gabriela’s death are ongoing according to Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski from East Midlands Special Operations Unit Murder Investigation Team.

Det Chief Insp Sinski said: “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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sinski also said that all scene preservation as part of the investigation has been lifted. Officers will remain in the area though while enquiries continue.

He said: “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 should call Leicestershire Police on 101, 484 of September 1. Alternatively, report information on the force’s website.