Key Points
- A 39-year-old Chinese national, Xiaoqing Ke, was found stabbed to death at an address on Old Brompton Road, Earl’s Court, West London, at around 11:15am on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
- The discovery followed a welfare check prompted by a concerning 999 call.
- Deepak Sandhu, a 23-year-old man from Newlands Avenue, Southampton, has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody; he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 15, 2025.
- A second man, aged 47, was arrested in connection with the investigation and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
- Xiaoqing Ke’s family in China are receiving support from the Metropolitan Police.
- Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, leading the investigation, stated that thoughts are with the family, the probe continues despite the charge, and urged witnesses to come forward.
- The incident has sparked a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Who Was Xiaoqing Ke?
Xiaoqing Ke, aged 39 and a Chinese national, resided at the Old Brompton Road address where her body was found. Her family, based in China, are being supported by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police. No further details on her background, occupation, or connection to the suspects have been released publicly at this stage, respecting the ongoing investigation and family privacy.
As covered initially by MyLondon, the naming of Xiaoqing Ke allows for public appeals for information while honouring the family’s wishes during their grief.
What Happened on Old Brompton Road?
The timeline unfolded rapidly on December 10. At around 11:15am, officers entered the property for a welfare check triggered by a 999 call expressing concern. Inside, they found Xiaoqing Ke, who had suffered fatal stab wounds. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene.
Forensic teams and Murder Investigation Teams descended on the location, cordoning off the street in Earl’s Court, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its mix of residential flats, hotels, and eateries near West London hubs like Kensington. As detailed in MyLondon’s coverage by Claudia Aoraha, the incident prompted an immediate murder probe, with no other injuries reported.
Who Is Deepak Sandhu and What Charges Does He Face?
Deepak Sandhu, 23, from Newlands Avenue, Southampton, approximately 80 miles southwest of London, has been charged with the murder of Xiaoqing Ke. The Metropolitan Police announced the charge on December 15, 2025, ahead of his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court that day. He was remanded in custody, with his next hearing likely at the Old Bailey or another Crown Court.
No motive has been disclosed, and police have not linked Sandhu’s Southampton address directly to the crime scene beyond his arrest. Coverage from MyLondon emphasised the police’s caution in releasing details to avoid prejudicing proceedings.
Why Was a Second Man Arrested?
A 47-year-old man was arrested in relation to the investigation but has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The Metropolitan Police have not named him or specified his role, location of arrest, or connection to Xiaoqing Ke or Deepak Sandhu. This development suggests broader lines of inquiry, potentially including witnesses, associates, or others present around the time of the incident.
As reported across initial wires picked up by MyLondon, the dual arrests indicate a thorough sweep, though only Sandhu faces murder charges so far.
What Did Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley Say?
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command, issued a statement emphasising empathy and a call for public help. As quoted by Claudia Aoraha of MyLondon:
“Our thoughts remain with Xiaoqing’s family at this incredibly difficult time. While a man has now been charged, our investigation continues, and we urge anyone with information who has not yet spoken to us to come forward.”
Jolley’s comments underscore the raw grief of the family and the ongoing nature of the probe despite the arrest.
How Are Xiaoqing Ke’s Family Being Supported?
Xiaoqing Ke’s family, residing in China, are receiving dedicated support from Metropolitan Police family liaison officers. These specialists provide emotional guidance, updates on the investigation, and practical assistance across international lines. Police have prioritised their welfare amid the tragedy, as noted in official statements.
MyLondon’s reporting highlighted this aspect, ensuring the human element remains central.
What Is the Status of the Murder Investigation?
Despite Deepak Sandhu’s charge, the investigation remains active. Officers are piecing together the events leading to the stabbing, including the 999 call’s origin, potential witnesses in Earl’s Court, and any CCTV or digital evidence from Old Brompton Road. The bailed 47-year-old man’s status could evolve based on new findings.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley reiterated the need for information, signalling forensic work, house-to-house enquiries, and public appeals continue. No broader threat to the public has been identified.
When and Where Did Deepak Sandhu Appear in Court?
Deepak Sandhu appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 15, 2025—the current date as per ongoing coverage. Remanded in custody, his case advances through the judicial process. Westminster handles many high-profile Metropolitan Police cases due to its central London location.
MyLondon confirmed the hearing details, aligning with standard procedure for murder charges.
Where Is Earl’s Court and What Is Its Reputation?
Earl’s Court lies in West London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, bordered by Fulham, West Kensington, and Chelsea. Old Brompton Road, the scene, runs through this bustling district, featuring Victorian architecture, trendy bars, and proximity to Earl’s Court Underground station on the District and Circle lines.
Historically a bohemian hub, it has gentrified with luxury flats and international residents. The stabbing has shocked locals, unaccustomed to such violence in this secure postcode.
How Can the Public Assist the Police?
The Metropolitan Police urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact them. Witnesses from Old Brompton Road on December 10, those who knew Xiaoqing Ke, or anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or mobile footage should come forward. Quote reference CAD 3479/10DEC when calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
As emphasised by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley in MyLondon, public cooperation remains vital.
Broader Context of Knife Crime in London
This incident occurs amid London’s persistent knife crime challenges. In 2024-2025, the Metropolitan Police recorded over 15,000 knife offences, with stabbings a leading cause of murder. Earl’s Court bucked trends as a lower-crime pocket, making Xiaoqing Ke’s death particularly stark.
Official statistics from the Met, cross-referenced in MyLondon, show a 10% rise in fatal stabbings year-on-year, prompting Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Violence Reduction Unit initiatives. However, specifics tie solely to this case.
