Police investigating the suspected murder of a mother found dead in her home have named a man wanted in connection with the death.

The body of Usha Patel, 44, was discovered at the flat she shared with her young son in Cricklewood, north west London, on Thursday morning.

Scotland Yard said they want to speak to Miles Donnelly, 34, who is also known as Miles Ryan, in connection with the death and have warned the public not to approach him.

Police believe Ms Patel and Donnelly had been in contact with each other online and had arranged to meet.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are asking anyone who may have seen him not to approach him but to call 999 instead."

Donnelly is described as a white man, about 5ft 11in tall and his last known address was in Paddington but he is believed to visit a number of London boroughs.

Detective chief inspector Matt Bonner said: "Enquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances of Usha's death and as part of these enquiries I am very keen to speak to Miles Donnelly, aka Miles Ryan, as he may have information which could assist me.

"I would appeal directly to him to contact the police so that we can speak to him.

"It is possible that he will look to friends and associates for support, and I urge them not to get involved but to contact us instead.

"I would like to reassure anyone who is worried about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity."

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death is due to take place.

Neighbours expressed shock at the death and paid tribute to Ms Patel who they said was a full-time carer for her young autistic son.

The boy, thought to be five years old, was seen holding the hand of a police community support officer outside his home after the body was found.

One neighbour, who would only give his name as Tony, 76, said: "I feel very sorry for her son. There was a young PCSO entertaining the kid. He was humouring the boy in the police car by starting the engine and letting him play with the steering wheel."

Tony's partner, Belinda, added: "A copper walked past holding him by the hand."

Another neighbour, who lived in the flat below Ms Patel, said he heard someone enter the building on Thursday morning and noticed her front door was ajar when he left for work.

Police officers said her son had been taken to a "safe place" following the discovery of the body, he added.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said: "She was hippy looking. She was like a female John Lennon. Very jolly and bubbly. She had a happy look about her."

Neighbour Sali Aboudali, 42, said her child went to school with Ms Patel's son and he would spend weekends with his father.

"She was a very nice lady," she said. "She invited me to a Zumba class. She was very friendly. All the neighbours listened to her singing.

"Her son depended on her for everything. She said he had autism."

A man thought to be the boy's grandfather attended the property on Thursday after police discovered Ms Patel's body, Ms Aboudali added.

A police officer was standing guard outside Ms Patel's home in Melrose Avenue, which is in a semi-detached building containing three flats. Neighbours said she had lived at the property for about nine years.