POLICE have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman who was found in the street with serious head injuries and her hand cut off.

POLICE have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman who was found in the street with serious head injuries and her hand cut off.

The 28-year-old was discovered by a passer-by in Greenford, north west London, at about 7pm last night.

Police and paramedics were called and she was taken to Charing Cross Hospital where she died about four hours later.

Investigators believe the woman may have been targeted after an acrimonious split with a former partner.

They were preparing to question six men held at several west London police stations after they were arrested earlier today.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, who is leading the inquiry, appealed for help from the public.

He said: “When the victim was found we know that a lot of people were in the street and that several people may have tried to administer first aid before the police or ambulance arrived.

“These people left the scene before speaking to police and I would ask that anyone who was there, or anyone else who has information about the incident, call us in the strictest of confidence.”

- Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.