Son, 31, 'murdered his hospital worker mother, 62, by beating her to death in her west London home' as she is pictured for first time
A 31-year-old man has been charged with beating his hospital worker mother to death at her home in west London.
Police were called to the home of Hansa Patel, 62, in Greenford at 5pm on Wednesday where she was found with head injuries.
Officers and London Ambulance Service workers attended the scene supported by a police helicopter, but she died 20 minutes later.
Shanil Patel was charged with her murder, who police confirm to be Mrs Patel's son. He will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court late today.
A Met Police spokesperson said: 'A man has been charged with murder following an incident in Greenford.
Police were called to the home of Hansa Patel, 62, in Greenford at 5pm on Wednesday where she was found with head injuries. She died 20 minutes later
Shanil Patel was charged with her murder, who police confirm to be Mrs Patel's son. He will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court late today. Pictured: Police at the scene
'Shanil Patel, 31, of Drew Gardens, Greenford was charged on Friday, November 27 with the murder of 62-year-old Hansa Patel.
'He will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court late today.
'This follows an incident on Wednesday, November 25 at an address in Drew Gardens, Greenford where a woman died after being found with head injuries.
'Shanil Patel is the son of Hansa Patel.'
Akbar Khan, a civil engineer whose wife was friends with Mrs Patel, described her as a gentle and placid woman. He said: 'She was a lovely lady, it's very sad.
'She worked in a hospital and her husband told her to retire early because of Covid. It's quite shocking. They were really nice people.'
Aqib Minhas, 28, told the PA news agency: 'There was a bit of a frenzy last night, police were telling everyone to stay indoors and stay away from the scene.
Police (pictured at the scene yesterday) were called to the home of Hansa Patel, 62, in Greenford at 5pm yesterday where she was found with head injuries
'People I've spoken to have said there was a bit of shouting from inside the house beforehand. The neighbourhood is a bit shook up by it all.'
A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.
A murder investigation has been launched led by Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding of the Met's Specialist Crime Command.
DCI Harding said: 'At this early stage we retain an open mind around the circumstances surrounding this incident.
A murder investigation has been launched led by Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding of the Met's Specialist Crime Command. Pictured: Forensic officers at the scene
'However, we can confirm that the victim and the man arrested were known to each other, and we are not actively seeking any other suspects at this time.'
Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner of the Met's West Area Command said: 'This is a devastating incident and my thoughts are with the victim's family at this difficult time.
'I would like to reassure residents who will have noted a large police presence in the area last night and throughout today.
'These officers are there to assist with the investigation and also to provide local reassurance and support.'