Police open murder enquiry six years after disappearance of Hampstead woman

Police have launched a murder investigation six years after the disappearance of a pregnant Hampstead woman.

Li Hau Cao, who is also known as Li or Lisa Ekiareb, was last seen at the end of October 2006 when she was four months pregnant.

Li, who left China in 2002, lived with her husband in Hampstead and is believed to have worked as a waitress in Chinatown before her disappearance.

Police are appealing for information to help them piece together her final movements.

Born in 1979, Li was 27 years old when she went missing in 2006.

She was reported missing by her family in China in February 2007.

She was 5ft 4 inches tall, of small build and had long shoulder length black hair.

Acting Det Chf Insp Andrew Manning, of the homicide and serious crime command, said: “Despite continued efforts to trace Li, we now believe her disappearance to be suspicious and we are conducting a full murder investigation.

“Following several lines of enquiry we believe that Li died on or shortly after October 23, 2006.

“Li’s family in China has been desperate for news for many years and we appeal to anyone who can assist with information about the case to come forward.”

Anyone who can help should call the incident room at Hendon on 020 8358 0300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.