Metropolitan Police have named a 36-year-old woman killed in Ilford on Sunday as Zara Aleena while officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The suspected attacker was arrested at an address in the east London town on Monday afternoon. He is believed to have been a stranger to Aleena, the force said.
Aleena was a local woman attacked at night walking along Cranbrook Road towards Gants Hill station. She was found by members of the public and police were informed at 2.44am on Sunday.
Paramedics rushed Aleena to hospital where she received treatment but died shortly after.
A post mortem found her death was caused by several injuries. No evidence has been found that weapons were used in the fatal attack.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, the senior officer for the Met’s East Area, said: “A full forensic examination of the scene and the surrounding area, house to house enquiries and a focus on identifying all available CCTV has been taking place since yesterday and local people will continue to see a significant police presence over the coming days and weeks.
“Our priorities are to ensure the safety of the local community and to engage locally with residents and people affected.
More follows…
