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Crime

20th Mar 2022

Man arrested following murder in student flats in London- victim now named

Kieran Galpin

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.

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.

“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.”

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