A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a man was found at a house with a freshly dug suspected grave in the garden. Zbigniew Michniewicz was found dead after police were called to the property in Greenford following concerns over his welfare. Detectives found a five foot-deep rectangular hole in the back garden, which they believe had been prepared to hide his body.
The 36-year-old victim, from Poland, was pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday. His sister, who formally identified his body, was said to be “devastated by the loss of her brother”.
Police are appealing for neighbours or witnesses who may have seen people going in and out of the Greenford Road property, used as a squat, to come forward.
Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a fight between three white males, which took place outside the property on an evening two or three weeks ago.
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, added: “Anyone who saw any digging in the back garden, we need them to come forward.”
He said he was also keen to hear from anyone who had lived in the squat over the past few weeks or anyone in the area who recognised the victim.
Two people — a man, 20, and a woman, 17 —were arrested at the address in connection with the death. The male suspect was later charged with conspiring to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body without lawful excuse. Both have been bailed to a date later this month.
Neighbour Ria Hidveghy, in her fifties, said: “It was a mix of people who lived there, but mainly guys. It was a bit of a squatters’ house because it had been empty for a good while.
“The back garden is a bit of a mess and I know police were there. They were in the front garden too with forensics around the clock for two days.”
Anyone with information is being urged to call police on 020 7321 7228, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
