Victim of Clerkenwell murder named as 19-year-old Sabita Thanwani

The victim of a murder which happened in Clerkenwell in the early hours of this morning has been named as 19-year-old Sabita Thanwani.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, Sabita’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Arbour House in Sebastian Street at around 5:10am, where a woman was said to have suffered "serious injuries".

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maher Maaroufe, 22, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and assault on police. He remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley who leads the investigation said: “I would like to thank everyone for publicising and sharing our appeal to trace Maaroufe.“Sabita’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Our deepest condolences are with them.“I would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this indescribably devastating time for them as they come to terms with Sabita’s murder.”