Zara Aleena: Man charged with Ilford murder

Sriram Ambarla, 23, appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 28 <i>(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)</i>
Sriram Ambarla, 23, appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 28 (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A man has been charged with the murder of Zara Aleena near Gants Hill.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, of Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, will appear in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court today - Wednesday, June 29.

He is accused of murdering Zara, attempted rape and robbery.

Zara, 35, was attacked by a stranger while walking home along Cranbrook Road in Ilford, in the direction of Gants Hill station, in the early hours of Sunday morning (June 26).

The law graduate - described by a friend as "a kind soul, the sweetest girl" - was found with serious head injuries and died in hospital later that morning.

READ MORE: 'A joy to us all': Zara Aleena's family pay tribute after 'sickening' death

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos