The parents of a City University student found dead at her university halls have paid tribute to her saying they’d been robbed of “our angel” as they called for greater protection of women and girls.
Sabita Thanwani, 19, was found suffering severe neck injuries at her hall of residence in Clerkenwell, north London early on Saturday.
Police arrested her boyfriend Maher Maaroufe, 22, on suspicion of murder after an 18-hour police manhunt.
In a statement, Miss Thanwani’s family said Sabita “was the most caring and loving person we have ever known”.
“Her whole life was ahead of her, a life where her radiant smile and incredible heart could only spread warmth and kindness.”
Her parents, from Golders Green, north London, added: “She was ripped away from those who loved her so very dearly; her mum, dad, brother, grandparents, extended family and friends.
“Sabita was the most caring and loving person we have ever known.
“She inspired us every day of her precious, 19 years of life.
“In her short life, she helped so many.
“Sabita was pure and did not see bad in anyone, because there was no badness in her own awesome heart. We will never ever stop loving or missing our beautiful, irreplaceable Sabita.
“The girl that was an angel upon the earth is now an angel in Heaven.”
In a possible reference to the killings of Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman and Sabina Nessa, the relatives continued: “We can only pray that lessons will be learnt and that somehow, there will come a day when girls and women are safe.”
Students reported hearing screams and banging coming from Miss Thanwani’s room at Arbour House before a fire alarm was set off at about 5.10am.
Paramedics attempted to revive the first-year City University psychology undergraduate but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Student Angelina Miats, 19, who lives on the second floor of Arbour House, said people are “very frightened because of what’s happened”.
Her parents added: “From our hearts, we thank everyone for their love and support.”
Tunisian-born Maaroufe, who is not a student, was located in Clerkenwell on Sunday afternoon. It is believed that officers found him in a garden.
He was being questioned after being arrested on suspicion of murder and assaulting police during his arrest.
Miss Thanwani was educated at Jumeirah College in Dubai, UAE, a British school that teaches the English national curriculum, before taking up her university place in London.
She has family in the UK and Dubai.
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “Sabita’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Our deepest condolences are with them.”
A City, University of London spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on the investigation. As a university, we will do everything we can to support our students and staff and we will continue to fully support the police with their investigation.”
