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