Christians Under Attack

Aliza Mirza, 18, was stabbed to death as she made her way to a party in East London on Saturday evening. A 17-year-old youth and his father, 45, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Officers have also arrested the boyfriend’s mother, 41, and 20-year-old sister on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Another man, aged 42, has also been arrested.

Scotland Yard said that it was keeping an open mind on the motive. It did not comment on reports that the young man and his family were angered because Miss Mirza had started a new relationship.

Her father described her last night as a “pretty, intelligent, diamond of a daughter”. Munir Mirza said that he had last seen his daughter on Saturday when she asked him for money to buy her friend a present before the party. He added that she had never told him about any boyfriends.

Mr Mirza, 50, said that he, his wife Nasreen and their two other daughters were devastated. “I loved my daughter. She was everything to me, to her uncles, aunts, the whole family. Everyone loved her so much that they rushed to the hospital. Nasreen hasn’t stopped crying since it happened.”

Miss Mirza’s uncle, Waqar Ahmed, said that his niece, who had been studying for her A levels at Canon Palmer High School in Ilford, had hoped to be a journalist.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Clayman, of the Metropolitan Police Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said officers were keen to speak to people who had seen Miss Mirza on her own or with other people.

“There would have been people in the Forest View Road area that we hope may have seen our victim, an Asian female of slim build, and we are appealing for these people to contact us,” he said. “We are also keen to hear from anybody who may have seen or heard anything suspicious.”

Witnesses or people with any information are asked to call police on 020 8345 3775 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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