'Brilliant' Primary School Teacher Allegedly Murdered At Public Park During Rush Hour

A 28-year-old primary school teacher was found murdered at a park in Greenwich on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Police officers were dispatched to Cator Park, in Kidbrooke Park Road after the body of a woman was discovered near the community centre.

The victim has now been identified as Cambridge-educated primary school teacher, Sabina Nessa, from Kidbrooke.

An autopsy carried out at Greenwich Mortuary on Monday was inconclusive, police said.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Joe Garrity from the Specialist Crime Command said:

"Our initial enquiries suggest that this attack happened at around 20:30hrs on Friday, 17 September, a time when the park was likely being used by many people from dog walkers to joggers."

"Sabina was found near the OneSpace community centre which we know is a facility used by lots of people and we would ask anyone who was in or around the area and who may have any information to come forward."

"Did you see someone loitering or acting suspiciously? Or, did you see someone leaving the area in a hurry, perhaps running away? If you have any information, it is vital you tell us."

"We are working around the clock to deliver justice for the family of this young woman, and we need your help to do it."

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry for local policing in Greenwich expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.

He said: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with Sabina’s family and friends following this shocking incident and we will continue to provide our support to them as the investigation progresses."

"We know this incident will be worrying to those who live and work in the community. Over the next few days, they can expect to see extra high-visibility patrols both in and around the crime scene as well as other open spaces across the boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich."

"As always, we are also working very closely with both local authorities to speak to our communities to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep people safe."

Lisa Williams, the head of Rushey Green primary school in Lewisham, where Nessa worked, recalled her as a brilliant teacher.

"We are devastated by Sabina’s tragic death. She was kind, caring and absolutely dedicated to her pupils," Williams added. "She had so much life ahead of her and so much more to give and her loss is desperately sad. As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time, and we will be providing specialist support to those who need it."