Police hunt 22-year-old after teenage student is murdered at university halls
A MANHUNT is under way after a teenager was murdered at university halls in London.
Detectives last night released an image of Maher Maaroufe, 22, who they are searching for in connection with the killing of a 19-year-old woman.
Police were called to Arbour House on Sebastian Street in Clerkenwell, east London, at around 5.10am yesterday.
The victim, not yet formally identified, was living on the top floor of the six-storey block. Police said she had suffered “serious neck injuries” and was believed to have been in a relationship with Maaroufe.
Fellow students said the woman was reading psychology at City, University of London.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.
One resident, a 21-year-old business student, heard the fire alarm go off early yesterday morning then someone running out of a ground-floor exit.
Leona Sigmud, 20, a music student, said: “I saw her in the hallways but I
never really spoke to her. I don’t think she was British. When I heard, I didn’t believe it at first. We are all shaken up.”
Police said Mr Maaroufe is “known to travel” and has links in London. He is also known to travel to Cambridgeshire.
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley said: “The woman’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers in the days and months ahead. My thoughts and that of my team are with them at this terribly difficult time.
“We believe the victim is a student at City, University of London.
“Early indications so far suggest that the victim had been in a relationship with Maaroufe and that they had been together that evening.
“Urgent enquiries to locate Maaroufe are ongoing and I urge him to attend a police station immediately.”
Chief Inspector Adam Instone, Central North Command Unit, said: “Arbour House is student accommodation, and I know there will be great sadness and deep concern among local people and the student community. I share their sadness and their concerns.
“Tackling violent crime is the Met’s top priority. Police officers, including forensic specialists, remain at the scene.”
Unite Students, which owns and operates Arbour House, said it was working closely with the police and City, University of London.
The university said it was fully supporting the police investigation and working closely with Unite Students.