A 16-year-old boy arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of Marsha McDonnell is being kept in a secure hospital unit.

Scotland Yard said the youth, who was arrested yesterday, was being detained under the Mental Health Act.

He is being questioned about the murder of Marsha McDonell in Hampton on February 3, and two other attacks, on a 17-year-old girl in the Strawberry Hill area on January 8, and on a 18-year-old man in Hampton on February 25.

Marsha was bludgeoned to death minutes from her home, after a night out with friends.

Police investigating her murder had arrested an 18 year old male for wasting police time, but now say he has been released no further action.

March 26, 2003 11:00