On Air Now David Francis 7:00pm - Midnight Destiny's Child - Say My Name Schedule

Sabina Nessa: Vigil Held In Eastbourne Where Murder Suspect Was Arrested

Wednesday, 6 October 2021 06:35

By (C) SKY News: Rebecca Speare-Cole, news reporter

The vigil was held on Eastbourne Pier

Around 200 people gathered to pay tribute, and protest against the "crisis" of violence against women, in Eastbourne, where Sabina Nessa's murder suspect was arrested last month.

The peaceful demonstration, held in front of the town's Victorian pier continued for about an hour, with various speakers addressing the crowd.

At about 7pm, those gathered paused in thoughtful reflection as a Muslim prayer was read out.

The vigil came to an end after dark when a minute's silence was held and people shone their phone lights.

Ms Nessa, 28, had been walking to meet a friend at a pub near her home when she was fatally attacked on 17 September.

The journey should have taken just five minutes, but instead she was killed in Cator Park in Kidbrooke, southeast London.

Her body was found nearly 24 hours later covered with leaves near a community centre in the park.

Koci Selamaj, 36, was arrested in the East Sussex town in the early hours of 26 September.

Tuesday's vigil comes amid continuing public outrage and debate over women's safety and policing.

Speaking to those gathered on the seafront on Tuesday evening, co-organiser Natasha Peacock said:

"Sabina Nessa should still be alive. She was loved and she will be deeply missed."

Many of those attending held pictures of Ms Nessa, while others carried signs calling out male violence or remembering Sarah Everard.

One placard read "When will women be safe?" while another said "She was just walking home".

Ms Peacock continued:

"Women are frightened for their lives. We are having to consider the risk of going out alone past 6pm and potentially getting, attacked, raped or murdered and the advice to flag down busses does not make us feel safe.

"This is a crisis. We need to make the safety of women and girls a priority."

sabina nessa

Garage worker Koci Selamaj allegedly attacked the 28-year-old school teacher as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, southeast London,

More from Sussex News

Your News

It’s easy to get in touch with the More Radio News team.

Add you phone number if you would like us to call you back