The victim has been named as Sabita Thanwani
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Sabita Thanwani, 19, that happened at student flats on Saturday.
Following a police appeal into the whereabouts of Maher Maaroufe, 22, who was dating Thanwani, an arrest has been made in Clerkenwell, London.
Related: Female student, 19, murdered in halls of residence
Maaroufe has been arrested on suspicion of murder but also the assault of police officers. He is now in custody.
BREAKING NEWS; Folks this is latest press release from the MET looking for a suspect as in my last post that they are looking for; this is the victim who has been Murdered; please RT👇
Further appeal as Clerkenwell murder victim named -Metropolitan Police https://t.co/SpDeXZHITb
— Norman Brennan (@NormanBrennan) March 20, 2022
Sabita Thanwani was found with serious neck injuries at Arbour House on Saturday. Although her body has not been formally identified, Scotland Yard said, “Sabita’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.”
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to thank everyone for publicising and sharing our appeal to trace Maaroufe.
“Sabita’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Our deepest condolences are with them.
Police are searching for Maher Maaroufe, 22, in connection with the murder of a woman in #Clerkenwell.
He has links across #London & is known to frequent #Cambridgeshire.
If you see him – 📞 999 immediately. Do NOT approach.https://t.co/aQNWWVqJLR
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 19, 2022
“I would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this indescribably devastating time for them as they come to terms with Sabita’s murder.”
Describing the ordeal, 21-year-old Arsh Srivastara said: “At around 5.45am I heard a voice that sounded like a grown man. I heard the fire alarm go off and I heard someone running out of a back ground floor exit near where I live.
“After that the police showed up around half an hour later. They have been investigating ever since.
“I heard them talking about someone trying to escape through the hallway door.”
Related stories:
- How one student helped nearly 1,000 women get home safe after Sarah Everard murder
- Sarah Everard’s family pay tribute and say they ‘miss her all the time’ one year after brutal murder
- ‘Predatory’ garage worker pleads guilty to killing primary school teacher Sabina Nessa
- Violence against women in the UK: The facts