Metropolitan police named a 35-year-old woman killed in Ilford as Zara Aleina while officers arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The suspected attacker was arrested at an address in the city of East London on Monday afternoon and remained in custody. He is believed to have been unknown to Ms Aleina, the forces said.
Ms. Aleina is a local woman who was attacked at night while walking on Cranbrook Road to Gants Hill Station, police said. She was found by the public and police were notified at 2.44am on Sunday morning.
Paramedics rushed Aleina to a hospital, where she received medical treatment but died shortly afterwards.
The investigation established that her death was caused by multiple injuries. No evidence has been found that weapons were used in the fatal attack.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, a senior officer for the eastern part of the metro, said: 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 people affected.
Police said they notified Alena’s family and offered support and informed them of the investigation.
Sam Tarry, an MP from the Ilford South Labor Party, said the attack on Aleina was “shocking” and would dispel fear in the local area.
He added: “My message to my constituents is that we will do everything we can to remember this woman who lost her life in this horrific way.
“I think in the next few days we can look to organize a vigil, something to make sure our community gets together because people will be very scared.
A man living near the scene of the murder said the attack caused him to 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.
“That’s a pretty serious question, how safe are you in your own area?”
Aleina was walking toward Gants Hill Station
(Public transport information)
Ch Supt Bell said police were aware that the attack could make local women feel less safe. He said fighting violence against women and girls is a priority for Met.
“Women should not change their behavior and should be able to do their job, feeling safe, at any time of the day or night. Our job is to ensure that this happens – but officers cannot 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 is ongoing and police have asked anyone who was in the area around Cranbrook Road between 2 and 3 a.m. Sunday to contact, including all drivers with a camera recording.
Ch Supt Bell said: “We also want to hear from anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the wider Ilford area at night.
“Anyone with information or a record or witnesses is invited to call the major incident room on 0208 345 3715.”
Police initially said Aleina was 36 years old before issuing a correction.
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