SABINA Nessa was killed during a five-minute walk to meet a friend at a pub, police have revealed.
The 28-year-old teacher's body was found hidden under a pile of leaves by a dog walker in Cator Park in Kidbrooke, South East London, on Saturday.
Police believe the "brilliant" teacher was attacked on Friday barely five minutes from her home on Astell Road in Greenwich, which she left just before 8.30pm on Friday, September 17.
She is believed to have been making her way through Cator Park towards The Depot bar in Kidbrooke Village where she planned to meet a friend.
The journey should have taken five minutes, but Sabina never arrived and is thought to have been killed as she walked through the park, police say.
Read our Sabina Nessa blog for the latest updates on her murder...
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 4 minutes ago
Demanding action
Campaigners are now demanding action to tackle violence against women in the wake of the latest tragedy.
Our Streets Now said: “It’s why we don’t walk where we want, when we want.
“It’s why we tense at the sound of a car pulling up, or of a man crossing the street towards us.
“It’s why one in five girls have avoided their place of education.
“Please, stop telling us we’re overreacting.
“Sabina Ness, Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman.
“And these are just the names that we remember.
“Male violence is killing us. It’s restricting our right to be free and equal citizens.
“We need change, now.”
Milica Cosic 19 minutes ago
Sabina was 'beautiful and talented'
Sabina’s devastated sister has now paid tribute to her, writing online: “My beautiful, talented and caring sister.
“My inspiration to always put myself first and never let anybody put me down.
“Never in my life did I or my sisters or my mum or dad think this could happen to us.
“May Allah grant her Jannah. Ameen.”
Friends and family have paid tribute to Sabrina Credit: PA
Milica Cosic 35 minutes ago
Scared to walk alone
Friends of Sabina have paid tribute to the teacher, and said that they are now walking in groups because they were so terrified after her death.
One told The Sun “I can’t believe what’s happened. It’s horrific. My heart is broken for her.
“Sabina was a beautiful woman - she had the whole world ahead of her.
“It’s so sad. She was so special. Her job was a huge part of her life. The school pupils were so special to her.
“We’re now walking in groups as a result of this. We’re not going out alone. I fear this will be a man who could strike again.
“I’m scared. We’re now keeping our movements shared with each other. We’re not going out alone.”
Milica Cosic 49 minutes ago
"The streets are safe for women"
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: "The streets are safe for women, I'd like to reassure the public around that, I'd like to make sure that people are free to walk around free from fear and my officers will make sure that that can take place.
"I think the main things that are changing are that, one, we're listening to people, we're understanding where people are feeling not so safe, and we're putting out patrols to make sure that we do that.
"This isn't just a policing issue, there's lots of issues to be able to make people feel safe in an open space and we're working with our partners to ensure we do that."
Milica Cosic Today, 15:15
Police fear Sabina Nessa’s killer could strike AGAIN
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry has said: "It's always a concern that it may happen, but that's not something that we have any intelligence on at this time."
When asked whether he believes a stranger was behind the attack, he added: "That's definitely a line of inquiry that we're looking at."
Speaking from the crime scene in Cator Park, Kidbrooke, he added detectives are "keeping a completely open mind" on what the motive of the attacker may have been.
He confirmed that there were “significant” lines of enquiry when asked whether police have any leads on who the killer may be.
DCS Lawry also insisted that London’s "streets are safe for women" following the murder of the primary school teacher.
Milica Cosic 21 minutes ago
Sabina’s final journey
The “brilliant” primary school teacher was found at Cator Park, South East London just five minutes away from her home on Saturday.
Cops believe that she was set upon on Friday night, whilst walking to meet up with friends at a local bar.
Met detectives today said Sabina left home on Astell Road in Greenwich just before 8.30pm on September 17.
She is believed to have been making her way through Cator Park towards The Depot bar on Pegler Square, Kidbrooke Village, where she planned to meet a friend.
The journey should have taken her five minutes, but Sabina never arrived and cops believe she was murdered as she walked through the park.
Her body was found close to the OneSpace community centre within the park at around 5.30pm the next day, September 18.
Milica Cosic Today, 14:50
'She was five minutes away'
Her cousin Zubel Ahmed told ITV News today: “She’s been attacked on the way home and she was five minutes away from here walking home her usual route that she’s been taking for the last few weeks where she’s been working from school to home, going back and forth.
“She was due to go and see her family at the weekend and even that… she couldn’t even do that one last time unfortunately.”
Zubel paid tribute to his cousin and described her as the “sweetest person”.
He said the devastated family do not understand how “someone can do this”.
Zubel added: “We went and saw her parents, they are inconsolable. It’s the worst way for someone to go.
“The shock has not sunk in. She was a beautiful, kind, caring soul.
“I express my deepest sympathies for her sisters – Mum and dad are absolutely devastated.
“Nothing is making sense to us, why was she taken from us we just don’t know.”
Milica Cosic Today, 14:40
Please help
The Met’s Detective Inspector Joe Garrity, who is leading the murder investigation, believes there are “still others out there who may have information” that could help.
He said: “If you think you saw Sabina or any suspicious behaviour in or around the park on Friday evening please speak to us.
“Sabina’s journey should have taken just over five minutes but she never made it to her destination.
“We know the community are rightly shocked by this murder – as are we – and we are using every resource available to us to find the individual responsible.”
Milica Cosic Today, 14:30
"Good progress" is being made
A post-mortem examination, carried out on Monday, was inconclusive.
However, Detective Inspector Mr Garrity added that “good progress” is being made in the investigation and specialist officers remain at the scene, conducting “intensive searches” and enquiries.
He continued: “We are incredibly grateful for all of those who have so far come forward and spoken to us but we believe there are still others out there who may have information that could help.
“If you think you saw Sabina or any suspicious behaviour in or around the park on Friday evening please speak to us.”
Milica Cosic 20 minutes ago
Vigil for Sabina tonight
Reclaim these streets is holding a vigil for Sabina on Friday night.
It is planned in Peglar Square at 7pm, where the community will join in solidarity against women and acknowledge Sabina’s life.
Reclaim these streets has urged those that cannot join to light a candle at 7pm on their doorstep.
On Friday night, we will join Sabina Nessa’s community in solidarity against violence against women and to acknowledge her life. Join us in Peglar Square at 7pm. If you can't join in person, please light a candle at 7pm on your doorstep.
RT and share. Say her name. #SabinaNessa pic.twitter.com/nZ6ichGytg
— Reclaim These Streets (@ReclaimTS) September 21, 2021
Milica Cosic 20 minutes ago
Cator Park in Kidbrooke cordoned off
Earlier this week, Cator Park in Kidbrooke was cordoned off while police continued to investigate the death of 28 year old teacher Sabina Nessa.
Flowers were seen at the side of the road, paying tribute to Sabina.
Cator Park in Kidbrooke is cordoned off while police continue to investigate the death of 28 year old teacher Sabina Nessa. Her body was found on Saturday afternoon but police believe she may have been attacked on Friday night around 830pm pic.twitter.com/cIOC6tMnbB
— Lauren Moss (@LaurenM0ss) September 21, 2021
Milica Cosic Today, 14:00
'Not sunk in'
Zubel added: “We went and saw her parents, they are inconsolable. It’s the worst way for someone to go.
“The shock has not sunk in. She was a beautiful, kind, caring soul.
“I express my deepest sympathies for her sisters – Mum and dad are absolutely devastated.
“Nothing is making sense to us, why was she taken from us we just don’t know.”
Sabina’s death has sparked outrage after she joined a growing list of women killed in public spaces in London in recent months.
Milica Cosic 19 minutes ago
Sabina's death sparks outrage
Sabina’s death has sparked outrage after she joined a growing list of women killed in public spaces in London in recent months.
Campaigners are now demanding action to tackle violence against women in the wake of the latest tragedy.
Our Streets Now said: “It’s why we don’t walk where we want, when we want.
“It’s why we tense at the sound of a car pulling up, or of a man crossing the street towards us.
“It’s why 1 in 5 girls have avoided their place of education.
“Please, stop telling us we’re overreacting.
“Sabina Ness, Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman.
“And these are just the names that we remember.
“Male violence is killing us. It’s restricting our right to be free and equal citizens.
“We need change, now.”
Milica Cosic Today, 13:40
'Women deserve to feel safe'
Sisters Uncut, who defied a police banning order to hold a vigil for Sarah Everard, said they “refuse to be trapped in this cycle of grief”.
The group added: “Sabina Nessa was walking home when she was killed and her body left in a public place.
“Sabina’s story is harrowing and heartbreaking, our love and rage goes out to her family and loved ones.”
While Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said “women and girls deserve to feel safe at all times”.
A candlelight vigil has been organised by Reclaim These Streets at 7pm tonight in Kidbrooke Village.
Milica Cosic Today, 13:30
Demanding action
Campaigners are now demanding action to tackle violence against women in the wake of the latest tragedy.
Our Streets Now said: “It’s why we don’t walk where we want, when we want.
“It’s why we tense at the sound of a car pulling up, or of a man crossing the street towards us.
“It’s why one in five girls have avoided their place of education.
“Please, stop telling us we’re overreacting.
“Sabina Ness, Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman.
“And these are just the names that we remember.
“Male violence is killing us. It’s restricting our right to be free and equal citizens.
“We need change, now.”
Milica Cosic 19 minutes ago
Annie Gibbs honours Sabina
Annie Gibbs, the vice-chair of the Kidbrooke forum community group, said people in the area were feeling shocked and scared.
“We are a loving community and we have a strong sense of solidarity,” she said. “Everyone wants the same thing – to support Sabina’s family and to make sure that we find whoever did this, so that she can get justice.”
She added: “We want people to respect and honour her life and make sure that we send a loud and clear message that we are a united community and this violent act isn’t going to divide us. Violence isn’t welcome here and we will stand up against it. Although many people didn’t know Sabina, our community is one.”
Milica Cosic Today, 13:10
‘Women deserve to feel safe’
Sisters Uncut, who defied a police banning order to hold a vigil for Sarah Everard, said they “refuse to be trapped in this cycle of grief”.
The group added: “Sabina Nessa was walking home when she was killed and her body left in a public place.
“Sabina’s story is harrowing and heartbreaking, our love and rage goes out to her family and loved ones.”
While Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said “women and girls deserve to feel safe at all times”.
A candlelight vigil has been organised by Reclaim These Streets at 7pm tonight in Kidbrooke Village.
Milica Cosic Today, 13:00
Sadiq Khan speaks on GMB
Sharing a clip of himself speaking about the matter, Sadiq wrote on Twitter: “Every woman and girl should be able to feel safe in our city and country. It’s not women who should have to change the way they live their lives, it’s men who need to change.”
Every woman and girl should be able to feel safe in our city and country.
It’s not women who should have to change the way they live their lives, it’s men who need to change.pic.twitter.com/FCqqAab88x
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) September 23, 2021
Milica Cosic 19 minutes ago
Sabina's final journey
The “brilliant” primary school teacher was found at Cator Park, South East London just five minutes away from her home on Saturday.
Cops believe that she was set upon on Friday night, whilst walking to meet up with friends at a local bar.
Met detectives today said Sabina left home on Astell Road in Greenwich just before 8.30pm on September 17.
She is believed to have been making her way through Cator Park towards The Depot bar on Pegler Square, Kidbrooke Village, where she planned to meet a friend.
The journey should have taken her five minutes, but Sabina never arrived and cops believe she was murdered as she walked through the park.
Her body was found close to the OneSpace community centre within the park at around 5.30pm the next day, September 18.
Milica Cosic Today, 12:40
“She had so much life ahead of her”
Ms Nessa was described as “brilliant, kind and dedicated to her pupils” by the head teacher of the school where she worked.
Lisa Williams, of Rushey Green Primary School in Lewisham, said: “She had so much life ahead of her and so much more to give and her loss is desperately sad.
“As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time, and we will be providing specialist support to those who need it.”
Milica Cosic Today, 12:30
Full of joggers and dog walkers
Police believe Sabina was attacked at 8.30pm on Friday when the park was likely to be full of joggers and dog walkers.
A man, aged in his 40s, arrested on suspicion of murder has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Anyone who with information or who saw someone loitering or acting suspiciously has been asked to police on 101 quoting reference 5747/18.
Milica Cosic Today, 12:20
"Her parents, they are inconsolable"
Her cousin Zubel Ahmed paid tribute to his cousin and described her as the "sweetest person".
He said the devastated family do not understand how "someone can do this".
Zubel added: "We went and saw her parents, they are inconsolable. It's the worst way for someone to go.
"The shock has not sunk in. She was a beautiful, kind, caring soul.
"I express my deepest sympathies for her sisters - Mum and dad are absolutely devastated.
"Nothing is making sense to us, why was she taken from us we just don't know."
Sabina Nessa was found in a park near her home Credit: Met Police
Milica Cosic Today, 12:10
Farah Nazeer speaks
Farah Nazeer, the chief executive of Women’s Aid, said women of colour still faced particular challenges in the criminal justice system and were less likely to be able to find help and be taken seriously.
“The treatment of Sabina’s death has not been on the same level as others, and time and time again we see how victims from black and minoritised communities do not receive the same level of attention and support,” she said.
“It is simply not good enough, and it has to change. Sabina’s death is as unacceptable and shocking as that of any other woman, and our headlines, TV coverage and outrage in our social media posts should reflect this.”
Milica Cosic Today, 12:00
URGENT CHANGES ARE NEEDED
Anna Birley, one of Reclaim These Streets’ organiser’s, said Nessa’s death was more tragic evidence that urgent changes were needed.
“For too long the burden of women’s safety has been on women – it shouldn’t take yet another murder of a woman to change that,” she said. “Since March we’ve seen a lot of reports and little action – a woman dies at the hands of a man every three days in this country so the time for reports and platitudes is over and the time for action is long overdue.”
Milica Cosic Today, 11:50
Police fear Sabina Nessa’s killer could strike AGAIN
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Sabina Nessa fear that her killer could strike again.
Cops believe that she was set upon on Friday night, whilst walking to meet up with friends at a local bar.
Met detectives today said Sabina left home on Astell Road in Greenwich just before 8.30pm on September 17.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry has said:"It's always a concern that it may happen, but that's not something that we have any intelligence on at this time."
When asked whether he believes a stranger was behind the attack, he added: "That's definitely a line of inquiry that we're looking at."
Read more here.
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