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An ambitious lawyer’s best friend, who died after she was brutally attacked by a stranger, said she was left “sick to her stomach” while posting heartbreaking screenshots from their latest WhatsApp exchange.
Flowers and candles were left at the spot where Zara Aleina, 35, was ambushed on Cranbrook Road as police continued to question a 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.
Scotland Yard said Ms Aleina, who worked at the Royal Courts of Justice, sustained serious head injuries while walking towards Gants Hill Station, Ilford early Sunday.
Her friend Lisa said she was “completely broken” while posting screenshots of the couple’s latest text exchange on Facebook.
Ms. Aleina Lisa’s friend posted screenshots from their latest WhatsApp exchange
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She said she felt “sick” after the tragic death and “will never get over it.”
“I am completely broken,” she wrote.
“My best friend – for the last 17 years – Zara Aleina was killed last night by a complete stranger.
“I am shocked, I am angry, I feel sick to my stomach.
Officers were called to the scene by paramedics, who found Ms Alena at 2.44am.
Messages on the road on Tuesday read: “I love you to the moon and back.”
Another homage says, “The best friend I could ever ask for.” Xxxx
“I’m going to miss everything about you, your smile, the way you bite your lower lip when you think, our nights out … eating burgers on foot, laughing at everything and everything.
John Dunn / Evening Standard
Another message said, “Beautiful Zara. Such a sweet soul who deserved much more than life. You can talk about England x.
A third said, “You deserved so much more, and I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you, as I did when the stupid girls started having problems. You will always be my Zara. I love you beautiful. ”
“We spent most weekends together. We were supposed to be together this weekend, but I had to give up and arranged to meet next weekend.
“Our last message was on Friday. I wish I could meet her this weekend. She was damn killed while walking home!
“I will never see her again. I will never hear her voice again.
“We always talked every day. I will never overcome this.
“When will our streets be safe?” Something needs to be done!
“Now rest in peace, beautiful angel!
In a screenshot from their last text exchange, Ms. Aleina said: “I miss your beautiful face this weekend. I can’t wait to see you next weekend. ”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms. Aleina studied law at the University of Westminster and has worked at the Royal Courts of Justice as an administrative clerk since May.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, the area’s senior police officer, said Monday: “Zara, who lived there, was walking on Cranbrook Road toward Gants Hill Station when she was attacked.
Zara Aleyna died after being “the victim of an attack by a stranger”, the Sofia police announced (Metropolitan Police / PA)
“She is now believed to have been attacked by a stranger.
“Her family is aware of this and as the investigation progresses, they will continue to be updated and supported.
“A special autopsy has been completed. Zara received numerous serious injuries that contributed to her death.
“So far there is no evidence that weapons were used during the attack.
“We keep Zara’s family up to date with our progress and my heartfelt condolences are with them at this terrible time,” he added.
“They are supported by specialists, but I can’t imagine the pain they have to feel.
Police said Monday afternoon that a 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in custody.
Residents spoke of their “pure horror” as forensic teams searched Cranbrook Road for evidence.
Ms Aleina is the 16th woman killed in an act of violence in London in 2022 – a third of the 50 murders investigated by forces from Met, British Transport and the City of London.
The ratio is higher than the same time last year, when 13 out of 60 victims were women.
A man whose house is near the scene said: “My neighbor heard a woman screaming. It was too late. The next thing we found out was a helicopter and a police dog barking. When we found out what happened, it was pure horror. “
Another man said the incident happened right in front of his house.
He said, “My wife heard a man shout. Then a little later there were police and flashing lights everywhere. We thought he was drunk. Now I feel guilty that I could have helped. If only I had gone out. We had no idea that something so terrible had happened outside our home. “
Anyone with information should call the major incident room on 0208 345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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