The ex-Loxford High School pupil, 34, who never made it home for Christmas
Sameena Imam, 34, went missing on Christmas Eve Photo credit: West Midlands Police - Credit: Archant
Police are calling for information surrounding the murder of a 34-year-old woman who was returning to Ilford to see her family for Christmas but never turned up.
Two brothers – Roger Cooper, 40, of Coventry, and David, 38, of Leicester – have been charged with the murder of Sameena Imam, a former Loxford High School pupil.
They appeared at Birmingham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday (13).
Sameena – or “Sam” as she was known to her friends – was living in Cardiff but working in Coventry when she disappeared on December 24.
The assistant general manager was last seen at her workplace Costco near Coventry.
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Her black BMW one series car was found by police in Luton – 65 miles away from the Costco where she was working – on January 4.
Urmi Raval was also a pupil at Loxford High School – now called Loxford School of Science and Technology – in Loxford Lane, Ilford.
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She said: “Sameena’s family are absolutely distraught.
“She had taken a week off for Christmas to spend time with her family living in Ilford and east London. She never turned up.”
A Facebook page has been set up, where friends have reacted to the news she is missing.
Last week Zhila Gaffney wrote on the page: “I am still in shock. Just heard about her today and it doesn’t sink in.”
On the same day, Saif Kazmi wrote: “I can’t believe the news I’m hearing about Sam.”
Ms Raval added many of Sameena’s friends are in “shock”.
She said: “This is such a difficult time and all of us who knew her are in shock.
“The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
“We all hope the police are able to give the family some answers as to her last movements.”
A Costco spokeswoman described Sameena, who joined the wholesalers in 2002, as an “excellent and popular employee”.
The Cooper brothers are due to reappear in court on April 17 and have been remanded in custody until then.
A west Midlands police spokeswoman said: “The investigation is ongoing and officers are keen to speak to anyone with information about Sameena’s disappearance.”
She said her family were being updated with any developments.
Anyone with information should 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Did you know Sameena? We would like to hear from you to help write a tribute page. Please call 0208 477 3826 or email harry.kemble@archant.co.uk
