A man has been charged with the murder of Zara Aleena, who died after being attacked in an east London street.
Aleena, 35, was found with extensive head injuries in Ilford early on Sunday morning. She was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
The Metropolitan police launched a murder investigation and announced they arrested a man on Monday on suspicion of murder.
Police said Jordan McSweeney, aged 29, of no fixed abode, had been charged with murder, attempted rape and robbery. He will appear in custody at Thames magistrates court on Wednesday.
Aleena died after what police described as a “horrific assault” close to her home. She was found with extensive head injuries at 2.44am on Sunday by passersby in Cranbrook Road, Ilford. Police said a postmortem found no evidence of the use of a weapon to inflict the injuries.
Police previously said Aleena was walking along Cranbrook Road in the direction of Gants Hill station when she was assaulted.
Aleena wanted to be a solicitor and had a law degree from the University of Westminster. Since May, she had worked as an administrative officer at the Royal Courts of Justice, and previously worked to resettle refugees.
In a statement released through the police on Wednesday, her family said their loss was “irreparable and the void feels insurmountable”, adding: “She was in the heart of her community, 10 minutes from home.”
“Zara was happy and at a point in her life when her joy was radiating and blossoming,” the statement said. “She was ready to make a family of her own.
“Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others – supporting refugees fleeing violence, giving voice to those who had less power.
“She had that special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda. A carefree spirit, with the most caring heart.”