Vigils for Sabina Nessa to be held across the country tonight

"We want to make sure people know who Sabina was"

Author: Chris Maskery and Helen HoddinottPublished 24th Sep 2021
Last updated 24th Sep 2021

Vigils are being held across the country this evening, paying tribute to Sabina Nessa, who was found dead in a park in London on Saturday.

The primary school teacher was walking to a pub in Kidbrooke to meet a friend last Friday (17th September) when police believe she was attacked.

A vigil in Kidbrooke where the 28-year-old lived has been arranged by Sabina's friends and neighbours, who say they've been left heartbroken and scared by her suspected murder.

People will be gathering at 7pm in Pegler Square in Kidbrooke, south east London, with those who can't make it being encouraged to light a candle on their doorsteps.

But many communities have also organised vigils to both honour Sabina's life and in solidarity against violence against women.

There are vigils taking place across the UK including Bath, Frome, Cardiff, Haringey, Bristol, Margate, Nottingham, Stroud and Derby.

"We want to make sure people know who Sabina was"

The event in Kidbrooke has been organised by two women who live in the area, and has support from organisation Reclaim These Streets.

"We want to make sure people know who Sabina was" says Emma, one of the organisers.

"She's a woman who has had her life taken from her. We want to celebrate her life, and we want to come together and be there, and show support for her family."

#IWalkWithWomen

This year we launched the #IWalkWithWomen campaign to end violence against women and girls

We hosted a special event to bring voices together to discuss attacks on women, and the impact misogyny has on their lives.

Last month our exclusive #IWalkWithWomen survey explored the changing attitudes to women since the death of Sarah Everard.

It found 75% of women had become more aware of their surroundings while walking outdoors in the evening.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Hits Radio app.