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Student flats murder: Sabita Thanwani named as victim

Police initially appealed for information about Maher Maaroufe, but the Met Police later said they have made an arrest.

By Andy Hayes, news reporter

Sunday 20 March 2022 15:24, UK

Undated family handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Sabita Thanwani, 19, a student and British national who has been named by police as the victim of a murder at student accomodation in Clerkenwell. Issue date: Sunday March 20, 2022.
Image: Sabita Thanwani, 19, was killed at student flats in central London
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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 injuries at 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.

19-year-old Sabita Thanwani
Image: Sabita Thanwani, 19, suffered serious neck injuries
Detectives are appealing for help to trace 22-year-old Maher Maaroufe
Image: Detectives are appealing for help in tracing 22-year-old Maher Maaroufe

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.

The scene in Sebastian Street, Clerkenwell, London, where a murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 19-year-old woman
Image: Flowers have been left at the student accommodation

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.