Police are hunting the killer of a 43-year-old Citi executive found beaten to death at her riverside flat in Woolwich, south London.
Marianne Kilonzi, a senior official at Citi, was found dead at her home at Royal Arsenal Riverside development on Friday evening.
Detectives on Tuesday said they were hunting a suspect known to Ms Kilonzi over her death, with one line of inquiry probing whether they have fled the country.
Neighbours have told how they heard “blood-curdling screams” in the run-up to Ms Kilonzi’s death, with one telling Metro: “The poor woman was inside the flat with the door bolted. The police got in somehow but it was too late.
“Police later told residents there was no risk to them as the suspect had left the country.”
Another neighbour, Michael Buckingham, said detectives told him they were investigating reports of a “noisy disturbance” four days before the body was found.
He 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.
“It appears that had been a noisy disturbance at that time. Sadly, I couldn’t help them because I didn’t hear anything.”
He added: “The police know who they’re after. They’re not looking for anyone else. It’s just a case of finding him.”
Officers earlier said that Ms Kilonzi, who worked as a banker for Citi, was thought to have died as a result of blunt force trauma and head injury.
Ms Kilonzi was Vice President, Trade and Working Capital Sales, Treasury and Trade Solutions at the global investment bank, where she had worked for over 18 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren, leading the investigation, 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.”
Asked whether the suspect had fled the country, a Met spokesperson: “This is one line of enquiry that is currently being explored as a part of the investigation.”
A Citi spokesperson 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.”
Anyone with information is being asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5231/17Jan. To report information anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
