Scotland Yard launched an appeal to trace Miles Donnelly, also known as Miles Ryan, after the body of Usha Patel, 44, was discovered at her flat in Cricklewood, north-west London, on Thursday morning. Officers arrested Donnelly, 34, on suspicion of murder in Paddington, central London, on Sunday morning and was taken to a north London police station where he remains in custody.
A Met Police spokesperson said that the post-mortem examination found Ms Patel died from "strangulation". Neighbours expressed shock at the death and paid tribute to Ms Patel, who was a full-time carer for her young autistic son. They confirmed that Ms Patel had lived for about nine years at her home in Melrose Avenue, which is in a semi-detached building containing three flats.
The 5 year old boy was seen holding the hand of a police community support officer outside his home after the body was found.
The Evening Standard reported that a neighbour Sali Aboudali, 42, said her child went to school with Ms Patel's son and he would spend weekends with his father.
"Her son depended on her for everything. She said he had autism."
A man thought to be the boy's grandfather reportedly attended the property on Thursday after police discovered Ms Patel's body.
