Appeal for taxi driver after woman, 75, found dead

Police have said they are keen to trace a taxi driver who may have filmed a 75-year-old woman struggling with building materials before she was found dead in her home.

Pepita Sakirecili, also known as Pepita Garcia, was discovered after officers forced entry into a property in Tottenham, north London, on 13 January, following a call from the ambulance service concerned for her wellbeing.

Ms Sakirecili is believed to have died at some point before Christmas and the cause is not yet known.

A 40-year-old man from Reynardson Road, Tottenham, has been charged with preventing a lawful burial.

Det Insp Barry Hart of the Metropolitan Police said he wanted to "build a picture" of what happened.

"I am particularly keen to trace a taxi driver who drove Pepita to the address in Reynardson Road in August 2024 and witnessed Pepita struggling to lift plywood and other building supplies that she had bought," he said.

"We believe the driver was concerned about her welfare and may have recorded Pepita on their mobile phone."

Det Insp Hart appealed for anyone who knew Ms Sakirecili, and could provide a background of her life, to get in touch.

He also asked anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage, taken in Reynardson Road between 16 October and 31 January, to contact police.

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