The woman sustained injuries to her neck
Police are on the hunt for a man thought to be connected to the murder of a female student at a halls of residence in Clerkenwell, central London.
Maher Maaroufe, 22, is believed to have been dating an unnamed murder victim who was killed in her halls of residence on Saturday, March 19. The Metropolitan Police believe that Maaroufe was with the victim on Saturday night, reports the BBC.
Next of Kin have been informed.
The student sustained injuries to her neck in what the police are treating as a murder investigation at a private block of student accommodation on Sebastian Street.
Police arrived on the scene at around 5 am after reports of a “seriously injured” woman. Paramedics also attended, but sadly, the student was pronounced dead at the scene. Student Leona Sigmud, 20, described the victim as a “normal student.”
Students in Arbour House reported police “banging on door”, while others in 108-room block said they were scared for their safety. One student, who said security only runs from 12-8 pm on weekdays, said: “I saw the police in the morning and there were helicopters. I am completely shocked and obviously traumatised.”
Another student told MyLondon: “I woke up with the cops knocking on my door. I went on a group chat and everyone had a knock as well.
Police are searching for Maher Maaroufe, 22, in connection with the murder of a woman in #Clerkenwell.
He has links across #London & is known to frequent #Cambridgeshire.
If you see him – 📞 999 immediately. Do NOT approach.https://t.co/aQNWWVqJLR
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 19, 2022
“We’re probably going to ask for more security measures. I hope it’s the first and last time it happens.”
Unite Students, who run the block, said: “Our priority at this time is the safety and wellbeing of students at Arbour House.”
Describing the ordeal, 21-year-old Arsh Srivastara said: “At around 5.45am I heard a voice that sounded like a grown man. I heard the fire alarm go off and I heard someone running out of a back ground floor exit near where I live.
“After that the police showed up around half an hour later. They have been investigating ever since.
The Met have named a man they want to trace following the murder of a 19-year-old student in Clerkenwell. Maher Maaroufe, who’s 22, is known to travel and has links to London and Cambridgeshire. pic.twitter.com/UAz8W18BVa
— Simon Jones (@SimonJonesNews) March 20, 2022
“I heard them talking about someone trying to escape through the hallway door.”
Police have urged people with any information on Maaroufe to come forward but have also warned people not to approach him.
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