London canal murder: Accused killer Thomasz Kocik joined search for Marta Ligman

Thomasz Kocik and Marta Ligman were thought to be in a relationship before her body was found in a suitcase in Grand Union Canal

Murder suspect Thomasz Kocik is thought to have been in a relationship with Marta Ligman before her body was found in a suitcase dumped in Grand Union Canal.

Metropolitan Police officers charged Kocik with the murder of 23-year-old Polish national Ligman, of Buckingham Road, Brent, in London, on Wednesday (13 May) after detectives discovered the victim's body in the west London canal on Sunday (10 May).

It has since emerged that Kocik, 38, also of Buckingham Road, Brent, helped her family in the search for her after she disappeared from home.

Marta Ligman and Thomasz Kocik appear to have been in a relationship before she was killed

Kocik appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

He was arrested on Monday (11 May) with two other men aged 34 and 30, who have since been bailed to a date to be confirmed.

Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command on 020 8785 8244 or the police non-emergency line on 101.