The Metropolitan Police named a 35-year-old woman killed in Ilford as Zara Aleena as officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The suspected attacker was arrested at an address in the east London city on Monday afternoon and remained in custody. He is believed to have been a stranger to Ms Aleena, the force said.
Ms Aleena was a local woman attacked at night while walking along Cranbrook Road towards Gants Hill station, police said. She was found by members of the public and the police were informed at 2:44 am on Sunday.
Paramedics took Aleena to the hospital where she received treatment, but she died shortly after.
A post-mortem examination found that his death was caused by multiple injuries. No evidence has been found that weapons were used in the fatal attack.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, Senior East Area Officer at The Met, said: “A full forensic examination of the scene and surrounding area, house-to-house investigations and an approach to identify all available CCTV have been carried out since yesterday. and local people will continue to see a significant police presence in the coming days and weeks.
“Our priorities are to ensure the safety of the local community and to engage locally with residents and affected people.”
Police said they had notified Aleena’s family and that they were offering support and keeping them updated on the investigation.
Sam Tarry, Labor MP for Ilford South, said the attack on Aleena was “shocking” and would strike fear in the local area.
He added: “My message really to my constituents is that we will do everything we can to remember this woman who lost her life in this horrendous way.
“I think in the next couple of days we might consider hosting a vigil, something to make sure that, you know, our community comes together because people are going to be so scared.”
A man who lives near the crime scene said the attack made him worry about other local women.
Subhash, 60, said: “It’s not just my daughter, it’s other daughters, other girls, other women in the area.
“It’s a pretty serious matter, how safe are you in your own area?”
Aleena was walking towards Gants Hill station
(City transportation information)
Ch Superpt Bell said police knew the attack could make local women feel less safe. She said that addressing violence against women and girls was a priority for the Met.
“Women shouldn’t have to change their behavior and should be able to go about their business, feeling safe, at any time of the day or night. It’s our job to make sure that happens, but officers can’t be everywhere at all times.
“I would urge our community, especially women, to report any suspicious or unwanted behavior and seek help if you feel threatened.”
The murder investigation was ongoing and police asked anyone who was in the area around Cranbrook Road between 2 and 3 a.m. Sunday to get in touch, including drivers with dash cam footage.
Ch Superpt Bell said: “We also want to hear from anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the wider Ilford area overnight.
“Anyone with information or footage, or any witnesses, is asked to call the main incident room on 0208 345 3715.”
Police initially said Aleena was 36 years old before issuing a correction.
Reference-www.independent.co.uk