Student flats murder: Sabita Thanwani named as victim

A young woman murdered at student flats in central London has been named by police as Sabita Thanwani.

The 19-year-old was discovered with serious neck injuriesat Arbour House - accommodation for students in Sebastian Street, Clerkenwell, on Saturday.

Police were urgently looking for 22-year-old Maher Maaroufe, a Tunisian national of no fixed address, who was known to have been in a relationship with Ms Thanwani.

Later they said they had arrested Maaroufe.

Although her body has not been formally identified, "Sabita's family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers", Scotland Yard said.

She was found on Saturday morning and despite the assistance of paramedics was pronounced dead at the scene.

She is believed to have been studying at City, University of London and was a British national, police said.

DCI Linda Bradley said: "Maaroufe had been in a relationship with Sabita but he was not a student."

Anyone who knew Maaroufe or had contact with him was urged to contact police. If a member of the public saw him they were advised not to approach him and call 999.

DCI Bradley added on Sunday morning: "I am appealing, once again, for Maher Maaroufe to attend a police station immediately.

"Maher, I am making this appeal directly to you: if you see this, please go to the nearest police station. It is important that we speak with you."

Student Angelina Miats, 19, who lives on the second floor of Arbour House, said people are "very frightened because of what's happened", adding: "I don't feel safe."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC and quote CAD 1252/19MAR22, or Op Worlington.