Man arrested on suspicion of murder after student Sabita Thanwani is killed in London

A 22-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a student in central London, Scotland Yard said.

The Metropolitan Police detained Maher Maaroufe, 22, on Sunday afternoon.

It comes a day after 19-year-old Sabita Thanwani died at student accommodation in Sebastian Street, Clerkenwell.

The force said Maaroufe was arrested on suspicion of murder and assault on police and he remains in police custody.

Officers were called to Arbour House, in Sebastian Street, Clerkenwell, at around 5.10am on Saturday to reports that Ms Thanwani was injured.

They attended along with medics to find she had suffered serious neck injuries but, despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The force subsequently launched an appeal to trace Maaroufe later on Saturday.

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.”