Police issue images of cyclist after woman stabbed in Ilford near area Zara Aleena killed
Metropolitan Police detectives have released images of a cyclist they hope to identify after a woman was stabbed in Ilford.
The woman was attacked in the same area of east London where law graduate Zara Aleena, 35, was killed just weeks ago.
Police were called at approximately 8.05pm on Friday, 8 July, to reports of a stabbing in St Johns Road.
Officers attended and found a 27-year-old woman with stab injuries to her back.
The woman was taken to hospital. She does not have any life-threatening injuries, police said.
Detectives launching an appeal for information acknowledged the concern likely to have been prompted by another attack on a woman in Ilford.
Chief Inspector Chris Byrne, East Area BCU, said: “I know that this attack on a woman, coming so soon after the tragic murder of Zara Aleena, will be of great concern to Londoners and particularly to people in Ilford.
"Of course, my colleagues and I share those concerns and we are working hard to do everything possible to keep people safe.
"The woman was attacked by a male riding a bicycle, who rode away in the direction of Meads Lane, Ilford.
"Anyone who recognises the person in the images circulated is urged to call police immediately.
"One image shows the suspect in Meads Lane around the time of the attack. The suspect is pictured in black clothing and a black bag, with a white and black bicycle helmet and a distinctive green bicycle.
"There has been no arrest at this time and enquiries are ongoing."
Zara Aleena had been returning home from a night out when she was attacked, prosecutors have said.
A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple serious injuries.
Jordan McSweeney, 29, of Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, east London, has been charged with her murder, attempted rape and robbery.
He entered no pleas and was remanded in custody.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey in September for a plea hearing.
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