Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of 43-year-old Marianne Kilonzi, who was fou (Image: PA)
The manhunt for the killer of a city banker who was bludgeoned to death in her luxury riverside flat has become an international search after police revealed their prime suspect may have fled the country.
Marianne Kilonzi, 43, was discovered by officers with a fatal head injury at her home in Woolwich, southeast London, on Friday afternoon.
Officers attended after neighbours reported hearing “blood-curdling screams” earlier in the week.
Her suspected killer is believed to be known to her and one line of inquiry Scotland Yard murder detectives are now pursuing is that the suspect may have escaped overseas.
A post-mortem examination on Saturday found Ms Kilonzi died from a blunt force trauma injury to the head.
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Residents of the exclusive Royal Arsenal Riverside development have since been questioned about the “noisy disturbance” in the early hours of Monday morning last week at her first floor apartment – five days before the lifeless body was found on Friday afternoon after police officers broke into the flat with concerns for her safety.
Neighbour Michael Buckingham, 82, told MailOnline: “The police came around and asked me some
questions.
“An officer asked me if I had heard anything coming from her flat between 3am and 4am on Monday morning. It appears that had been a noisy disturbance at that time.
“Sadly I couldn’t help them because I didn’t hear anything.”
Police forensic officers scoured the flat, which had a view of an internal lagoon with fountains, throughout the weekend.
A cleaner said: “The police have been all through the flat. They have also searched the rubbish bins.”
Mr Buckingham added that he believed detectives had already identified a suspect.
The retired company director said: “The police know who they’re after. They’re not looking for anyone else. It’s just a case of finding him.”
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Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren said: “This is a tragic crime and our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time are with Marianne’s loved ones and colleagues.
“We are in contact with her family, who are being supported by specialist colleagues.
“I know this is a concerning time for the wider community and want to reassure the public that whilst we are in the early stages of this investigation, we believe the suspect was known to Marianne and there is no wider risk to the public.
“This is a fast-paced investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.’
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed one potential line of inquiry being explored as part of the investigation is that the suspect has fled the country.
Ms Kilonzi had worked at Citi for more than 18 years, according to her LinkedIn profile, and previously ran a company fundraiser for Cancer Research.
A spokesperson for Citi said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. Our thoughts are with Marianne’s family and friends during this difficult time.”