Zara Aleena murder, Ilford: Vigil to ‘walk her home’

The family of Zara Aleena, who was beaten to death in a stranger attack while walking home in east London, are holding a vigil today to mark the one year anniversary since her murder.

Zara, 35, a trainee solicitor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was walking along Cranbrook Road towards Gants Hill station in Ilford at 2.44am on Sunday, June 26 2022, when she was approached from behind and dragged into a driveway by Jordan McSweeney.

He subjected her to a brutal attack, returning multiple times to deliver repeated blows, leaving her with significant injuries.

Neighbours and passers-by tried their best to provide first aid to Zara until the arrival of paramedics, with one person giving her CPR.

She was rushed to hospital but sadly died later that morning.

McSweeney, 29, of Dagenham, was sentenced to a minimum of 38 years in prison for the murder and sexual assault at the Old Bailey on December 14 2022.

On the day of the sentencing Zara’s aunt, Farah Naz said outside the court: “Zara´s life was senselessly and brutally crushed, and today, like every other day we live with the horror she was forced to face.

“Zara was the light, the warmth, the birdsong, the laughter in our family. We live with a profound loss each day and each day we are destroyed a little more. We are deeply touched by the kindness we have felt from so many, and this is testament to the power of Zara´s spirit.”

A silent walk will be held today (Sunday June 25) at 1.30pm at Valentine’s Park in Ilford. Supporters are asked to wear white and to meet at the Emerson Road entrance.

The digital flyer says: “Zara was brutally murdered by a stranger as she walked home on June 26 2022.

“We walk to honour Zara’s life. We walk to honour the lives of all women and girls murdered by men.

“We walk for the right for women to be safe in their homes and in their streets.

“We demand systematic change. End violence towards women and girls.”