City of London police launch murder investigation after actress and singer falls to her death from luxury tower block
Family of Bethany-Maria Beales describe her as a 'shining star'
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Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a young aspiring actress and singer fell from a balcony in a luxury London tower block.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murdering Bethany-Maria Beales, 22, who died at The Heron, a 36-storey residential block .
Her body was found with “significant injuries consistent with a fall from a height”, police said.
City of London officers arrested a man and a woman, both 38, on suspicion of murder. They have since been bailed.
Ms Beales, who was described as a “shining star” by her family, studied drama at the University of Roehampton and went on to become an actor and singer with a particular interest in musical theatre, according to online profiles.
"Beth was a kind, funny, loyal, intelligent, talented and stunningly beautiful person who changed the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her and lucky enough to be loved by her," her family said in a statement. She was more than a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, stepsister, step-auntie, god-daughter or friend. She was the world to us all.
"She had the brightest smile and the most beautiful singing voice. She was our songbird. She had an amazing talent that, if it had been seen by the world, would have become known to millions. To say we will miss her does not come close to describing how we feel. Our world will never be as bright again now that our shining star has gone."
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels appealed for witnesses to come forward.
She said: "We would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to Bethany's family and friends at this difficult time and reassure them we are doing everything we can to determine the circumstances of this tragic incident.
"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or may have information which can assist our investigation is asked to contact police as soon as possible.
"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in The Heron building or the vicinity on Saturday that may have seen or heard something."
Deaths of this kind are rare in the Square Mile and this is the first murder investigation the force has launched in three years.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 7601 2222 or find Crimestoppers anonymously online or call 0800 555111.