Sabina Nessa: Kidbrooke women "don't feel safe" after death of "brilliant" teacher

"She had so much life ahead of her"

Flowers laid in Cator Park
Author: Helen HoddinottPublished 22nd Sep 2021

Women who live in Kidbrooke, where 28-year-old teacher Sabina Nessa's body was discovered over the weekend, tell us they "don't feel safe."

"There's so many cases this year of women just going home, and then someone takes their life from them," said one resident.

Another says she'll be changing her route home to avoid being by the park alone.

Police say Sabina was attacked on Friday evening in Cator Park, a busy open area overlooked by a new development of apartment blocks.

Her body wasn't found until the following afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Superintendent Luke Marks said there was a "short delay" because it was "not on the main walkway".

Officers had arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of murder but he has been released under further investigation.

Sabina was a teacher at Rushey Green Primary School in Lewisham, where she was "absolutely dedicated to her pupils."

Headteacher Lisa Williams has paid tribute to her, remembering her as "brilliant", "kind" and "caring".

"We are devastated by Sabina's tragic death.

"She had so much life ahead of her and so much more to give and her loss is desperately sad."

A vigil is being held at 7pm on Friday evening in Kidbrooke Village.

It's being arranged by women in the community, including Annie Gibbs and Amie Dibba, "in solidarity against violence, and to acknowledge the life of Sabina Nessa"

Women's safety organisation Reclaim These Streets, which was founded after the murder of Sarah Everard, is backing the event.

"It's just heartbreaking, another woman who had her whole life ahead of her," says Jamie Klingler, the group's co-founder.

"Sabina Nessa, we need to say her name, we need to see her picture."

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