DETECTIVES investigating the fatal stabbing of a woman in South Ealing on Tuesday morning have charged a man.

Dennis Akpomedaye, 29, from Newport, will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today (19).

The victim, now known to be 21-year-old Ania Jedrkowiak, a Polish national, was found with stab wounds in an alleyway off Church Gardens shortly after midnight.

Despite emergency treatment, Ania was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are speaking with her next of kin, who are supported by specialist officers.

A 20-year-old man, initially arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released with no further action.

Det Chief Insp Brian Howie, leading the investigation, says the second arrest is believed to be significant. The victim and suspect were known to each other.

“We are examining CCTV and speaking to any witnesses who have come forward,” he said.

“However, we are always keen to hear from anyone else who has not yet spoken to us but thinks they may have seen or heard anything, no matter how small, that could help.

“In particular we would urge anyone who lives or was travelling in the area of South Ealing Road, between 11.15pm on Monday (16) and 1am the next day, or anyone who has CCTV or a doorbell camera or a dash cam, to check it for anything that appears out of the ordinary."

Information can be provided by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The reference for the incident is 77/17MAY.

Chief Supt Sean Wilson, in charge of policing for Ealing, said: “Officers remain at the scene as our searches and forensic examinations continue. We will also have additional visible patrols in the area tonight and in the coming days.

“We are grateful to those who live and work nearby for their support and understanding. We recognise the inconvenience it has caused.

“Where possible we have taken steps to allow businesses and other venues such as the local church to reopen as soon as our investigation allowed.

“I am particularly mindful of the proximity of this incident to a school – something which meant the school had to remain closed on Tuesday.

“I know parents will be apprehensive and I’d like to reassure them we are working with the school to make sure children can continue their learning with minimal disruption.

“We anticipate it will be able to reopen from Wednesday morning.

“If anyone in the community has concerns I would encourage them to speak to an officer or call the non-emergency number on 101.”

Detectives have released CCTV footage from the corner of South Ealing Road at the junction with Ranelagh Road showing three men who they believe may be significant witnesses. The men were walking or travelling on e-scooters in the area around the time of the incident and officers are keen to identify them to find out if they saw or heard anything that could help with their investigation. 

The men are asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4215 if they see this appeal. They can be reassured that they are of interest only as witnesses to this serious offence.