Student, 19, ‘murdered’ at London uni halls named as Sabita Thanwani

A 19-year-old woman found dead at student accommodation in central London has been named as Sabita Thanwani.

It comes after police launched an appeal to find a 22-year-old man, who they believe was with her on the night she died.

The alarm was raised at Arbour House, Clerkenwell, when she was found with neck injuries at about 5.10am on Saturday.

Paramedics were unable to revive Sabita, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.

DCI Linda Bradley said: ‘I am reiterating our urgent appeal for information to trace 22-year-old Maher Maaroufe.

‘He has links across London, particularly in the Marble Arch, Edgware Road, and Lewisham areas. He is also known to travel to Cambridgeshire.

‘One of the images we released shows Maaroufe with dark hair and a moustache and beard. He has now shaved his head, and has little facial hair.

‘Maaroufe had been in a relationship with Sabita but he was not a student. He is a Tunisian national of no fixed address.

‘Officers are making enquiries to trace those who had contact with him, but I would ask anyone who knew him who has yet to speak with police to please get in touch. I would again ask the public not to approach him if they see him, but call 999.

‘I am also 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.’

This is a breaking news story – more to follow.

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