First picture of missing teenage mother 'found dead under floorboards of house' - Daily Mail

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:47 PM on 3rd March 2011

Enlarge  

Missing: Police believe the body of a woman found dead under floorboards of a house in Birmingham is that of 18-year-old Nicole Cartmell

This is the first picture of Nicole Cartmell, 18, who is believed to be the woman found dead under the floorboards of a house in Birmingham.

The mother-of-one went missing on Valentine's Day after she gave birth to a baby boy in January.

The discovery came after police called at the property shortly after 11am yesterday to arrest a man on suspicion of fraud.

A body, believed to be that of the young mother, from Sandwell, was found under the flooring in the front room of the house on Whateley Road, Handsworth.

Two men, aged 18 and 20, are now being questioned by detectives on suspicion of murder.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jones said: 'We are at the very early stages of this investigation.

However, one strong line of inquiry is that the body is that of Nicole, who has been missing for the past fortnight.

'Nicole gave birth to a baby boy in January and her family have been very distressed since her disappearance last month.

'Specialist family liaison officers are supporting them at this difficult time.

Grim find: A body is removed from the crime scene of the terraced house - where police had gone to arrest a man on suspicion of fraud

'Anyone who knows Nicole, or who has information that may prove helpful to the inquiry is urged to contact us at their earliest convenience.

'Two men were arrested from the address on suspicion of murder and they are being questioned by detectives today.'

A single floral tribute was propped up against the exterior wall of the property with a card that read: 'To Nicky, RIP. You were a nice, sweet girl. Only 18 years old!'

The terraced home was sealed off and police tents were erected outside the property as officers examined the scene.

One tent covered the front window of the house, which is close to the corner of Whateley Road, while another stood on the pavement, next to a police van.

Shocked residents are being reassured that more police will be patrolling.

Sergeant Jill Hughes, who covers the East Handsworth neighbourhood, said: 'People living in the area will understandably be shocked and upset by what has happened within their community.

'However, extra officers will be in the area and we hope that local people can be reassured by the fact that two people are currently helping police with the investigation.'

• A 67-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after police found a woman's body in a house in Halesowen, West Midlands. The woman, in her 60s, was taken to hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Tragic: A floral tribute left against a wall outside the property

Share this article:

Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.