Vigil today for Zara Aleena to ‘walk her home’ in Ilford
The 35-year-old law graduate was killed on her way home from a night out
Last updated 2nd Jul 2022
A vigil is being held for Zara Aleena today, who was killed on her walk home from a night out in Ilford, east London.
Ms Aleena was attacked as she walked home from a night out along Cranbrook Road, towards Gants Hill station, in the early hours of Sunday.
The vigil is being held in Ilford, Cranbrook Rise on Cranbrook Road where those attending have been ‘walking Zara home’, taking the route she should have taken.
When is the vigil for Zara Aleena?
Those taking part in the walk met at 1:30pm and left to walk at 2:17pm, the time she was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Those attending have been asked to wear white, and the family have requested that “as we walk Zara home in our hearts the mood remains silent and sombre.”
Her family added, “We want to bring her back where she belonged safely.”
READ MORE: Family of Zara Aleena vow to bring change after her death
Hundreds of people turned out to 'walk Zara home' and raise awareness of women's safety.
Khadijah Malik took part in the vigil, she said:
"I was really freaked out for the whole week when I found out what happened. The first thing I did was message my friend as she uses the same route Zara did to get home. She told me she's going to get taxis now, it's just unfair.
"We should just be able to walk whatever the time is and not worry about our safety.
"I think men need to be aware, there doesn't seem to be that fear and we need better street lighting, policing and CCTV."
Family tribute to Zara Aleena
The family of Zara Aleena have described her as a "joy to all of us" as they demanded an end to violence against women and girls in a tribute statement released after her death.
The statement read, “She was a carer for her mother, and her grandmother. Caring for others came so naturally to her, Zara was friendly, she was everybody's friend, she was pure of heart.
“She had that special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda, a carefree spirit, with the most caring heart, she was fierce: she didn't just survive, she thrived.
“She was always the bigger person in any situation, Zara was stoic and held it all together and never complained. She glued our community together.
‘Women should be able to walk’
Zara’s family added, “She walked everywhere, Zara believed that a woman should be able to walk home. Now, her dreams of a family are shattered, her future brutally taken.
“Sadly, Zara is not the only one who has had her life taken at the hands of a stranger. We all know women should be safe on our streets. She was in the heart of her community, 10 minutes from home.
“We all need to be talking about what happened to our Zara, we all need to be talking about this tragedy.
“In a savage, sickening, act she was murdered by a stranger. She's not the only woman who has lost her life like this, we must prevent and stop violence against women and girls.”
Man accused of murdering Zara Aleena
A man accused of murdering Zara Aleena has been held in custody and has appeared in court yesterday morning, Friday 1 July.
The 29-year-old Jordan McSweeney is accused of killing 35-year-old Zara Aleena, alongside being accused of robbing Ms Aleena of her mobile phone, keys and handbag, and attempted rape.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 30 September for a plea hearing.