British woman stabbed to death in Jerusalem named as Birmingham exchange student Hannah Bladon

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  • Video report by ITV News Reporter Sally Lockwood

A young British woman stabbed to death on a train in Jerusalem has been named as exchange student Hannah Bladon.

The 20-year-old was attacked by a Palestinian man who pulled a knife from his bag and repeatedly stabbed her as the tram neared City Hall.

The Birmingham University religious studies student, who was studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was rushed to a medical centre but died soon afterwards.

A statement from Birmingham University said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of our student Hannah Bladon who was killed whilst on an exchange programme in Jerusalem.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this tragic time and we will be providing support for any student affected by this terrible event."

Mark Regev, Israel's ambassador to the UK, earlier confirmed Ms Bladon's identity as he described her killing as a "senseless act of terror".

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem paid tribute to the student, who had begun her exchange in January.

Two other people, a pregnant woman in her early 30s and a man in his early 50s, were also injured during the attack.

Israel Police's foreign press spokesman Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld tweeted an image of the apparent murder weapon. Credit: Twitter/Micky Rosenfeld

Police say they arrested a 57-year-old Palestinian man, who was wrestled to the ground by onlookers.

An off-duty policeman pulled an emergency brake and tried to intervene.

An injured person is put into an ambulance. Credit: AP

They said the attacker had recently been released from a psychiatric hospital, describing him as "mentally unstable".

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said he was "filled with sadness" about Ms Bladon's death, and said the country's "thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim".

Police block an alley in Jerusalem's Old City following the attack. Credit: AP

Mr Rivlin said "terror will never destroy our lives here" as thousands gathered on Good Friday to remember Christ's crucifixion.

"This week thousands have come through the ancient gates of Jerusalem, to celebrate the feasts of Passover and Easter throughout the city - while the security forces work to ensure the safety of the dear residents and visitors to the city," he said.

"And so we will continue to do. Terror can never overcome us. Terror will never destroy our lives here."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the tragic death of a British national in Jerusalem.

"We are providing support to her family at this difficult time and are in touch with local authorities."