Sabita Thanwani death: Family pays tribute to 19-year-old murdered at student flats in London

The family of a 19-year-old murdered at student flats in London have paid tribute to their "beautiful, irreplaceable" daughter.

Officers were called early on Saturday morning to Arbour House in Sebastian Street in Clerkenwell, London, where Sabita Thanwani was found with serious neck injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and a special post-mortem and formal identification will take place soon.

Maher Maaroufe, 22, who had been in a relationship with Ms Thanwani was arrested on suspicion of murder and assault on police on Sunday.

The Tunisian national, who is of no fixed address and not a student, remains in police custody.

Ms Thanwani's family have released a statement paying tribute to their "angel".

It said: "Sabita Thanwani was our daughter. Our angel. Her life, that we hoped would be long, was cut tragically short.

"She was ripped away from those who loved her so very dearly; her mum, dad, brother, grandparents, extended family and friends.

"Sabita was the most caring and loving person we have ever known. She inspired us every day of her precious 19 years of life. Her mission was to help everyone. She was studying psychology at City University to make this happen.

"Her whole life was ahead of her, a life where her radiant smile and incredible heart could only spread warmth and kindness.

"In her short life, she helped so many. Sabita was pure and did not see bad in anyone, because there was no badness in her own awesome heart.

"We will never ever stop loving or missing our beautiful, irreplaceable Sabita. The girl that was an angel upon the earth is now an angel in heaven.

"We can only pray that lessons will be learnt and that somehow, there will come a day when girls and women are safe.

"We will never be able to thank the Metropolitan Police enough for their dedication and tireless work in finding justice for our Sabita. From our hearts, we thank everyone for their love and support.

"We ask that our privacy is respected and as a family we can quietly grieve."