Many people came together to hold a vigil in memory of Zara Aleena who was walking home after a night out with their families.
The attack on Cranbrook Road in Ilford on Sunday, a 35-year-old law student, took place just minutes from her front door.
Ms Aleena’s family asked that attendees wear white, and they remain silent while “we walk Zara home from our hearts”.
As the crowd began to trace the route she would have chosen, they led it.
Many participants carried flowers and photos of Ms Aleena, and many wore T-shirts featuring her image.
It started at 14:17 BST, opposite Cranbrook Rise on Cranbrook Road.
Ms Aleena was returning from a night out at 02.17 on Sunday, when she was dragged and kicked on by the Old Bailey, which heard Friday.
Farah Naz, Farah’s aunt, stopped at the home of her family and turned towards the crowd as the walk was over.
She stated that she was in the final stretch. We are so grateful for walking with her and praying for her.
“At this moment, we ask that you go home and express our gratitude for being here. This is our Zara, our issue, and it is something we all must change. It must never happen again. We are grateful for your presence.
Then, she invited all those present to place the flowers that they were carrying on the ground.
Sharman Islam Siraj (38), from Ilford was one of those who attended to honor Ms Aleena.
She said, “We are from this area, this is home, this is our community,”
“She was a person we used to see walking by our house all the time, she was the same school as my younger sister, she was just an ordinary girl. I feel like if she could have this happen to me, it could happen to anyone.
It’s unbelievable that this could happen to her. And it’s even more shocking that it happened here. I’m here for support of the family, I am here to show love and support, solidarity.”
Anjum Mouj was co-chair of London Black Women’s Project and spoke to the crowd before the vigil began.
She stated: “Grandma and mother, aunties, cousins friends, family, etc., have asked me to express my gratitude for being here to walk Zara Natasha Aleena’s home.
“She could see it, it was in touch distance of her house, it is in touching distance, she could almost see her home and couldn’t walk there.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, stated that all women should be able walk safely home.
“My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Zara Aleena and her family and friends. They came together today to remember her life as well as complete her return journey.
After her death, a post-mortem examination revealed that she had sustained multiple severe injuries.
Jordan McSweeney (29), of Dagenham has been charged with Ms Aleena’s murder, attempted penetration against consent, and robbery.
He is still in custody
