Victim of ‘opportunist stranger attack’ in London identified as Zara Allena, 36
Ms Allena was pronounced dead at hospital after being found in the early hours with serious head injuries.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 36-year-old woman who died after a suspected “opportunist stranger attack” in Ilford, east London, has been identified by police as Zara Allena.
Detectives, who have launched a murder investigation, said Ms Allena was walking along Cranbrook Road in the direction of Gants Hill Station when she was attacked.
She died in hospital on Sunday morning after being found with serious head injuries.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the scene by the London Ambulance Service at 2.44am.
We are keeping Zara's family up to date with our progress and my heartfelt condolences are with them at this terrible time
A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Allena “suffered multiple serious injuries”.
No weapons are thought to have been used.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads the Met’s East Area basic command unit (BCU), said: “We are keeping Zara’s family up to date with our progress and my heartfelt condolences are with them at this terrible time.”
He said Ms Allena’s loved ones are being looked after by specialist officers but added: “I cannot imagine the pain that they must be feeling right now.”
The police’s “priority is to catch the perpetrator as soon as possible”, he added.
A cordon remains in place at the scene, close to Valentines Park, with a section of Cranbrook Road closed to the public, with only residents allowed through.
The force is urging anyone who was in the Cranbrook Road area of Ilford between 2-3am on Sunday to contact them.
Anyone with information or footage is also asked to call the major incident room on 0208 345 3715.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
They will never ask your name and cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.