Hundreds gather at vigil in Cranbrook Road for Zara Aleena

The 35-year-old law graduate was only minutes from her front door when she was attacked while walking along Cranbrook Road in Ilford on June 26.

On Saturday afternoon, nearly a week on from her death, a vigil organised by Ms Aleena’s family took place to try to bring comfort to her loved ones while highlighting male violence against women and girls.

Many of those on Cranbrook Road wore white clothing including T-shirts bearing her image, while mourners have left dozens of bouquets of flowers and cards in tribute to Ms Aleena.

Anjum Mouj, co-chairman of the London Black Women's Project, speaking at the vigil as hundreds turn out. Credit: PA

Roads were closed on Saturday to allow the crowd, led by Ms Aleena's family, to walk the ten minute journey from the scene of her attack to her home.

Ms Aleena’s aunt, Farah Naz, stopped yards from the family’s home and turned to the crowd.

She said: “She was on the home stretch. Thank you so much for doing the walk and holding her in your hearts, praying for her, keeping her safe on this journey.

“At this point now, we ask you to go home and thank you so much for being here today because this is our Zara, this is our issue, this is something that we must all change, it must never happen again. Thank you for being here.”

She then invited those who attended to place the flowers they had been carrying together on the ground.

Aunt Farah Naz (left) and Anjum Mouj joins family and friends with members of the public to attend the vigil. Credit: PA

Flowers are left after a vigil in Ilford. Credit: PA

Marai Larasi, a member of campaign group Million Women Rise, said: “We’re here to support the family, we’re here to bring her home in spirit, we’re here to honour her life, and we’re here with absolute exhaustion because we’re tired of vigils, we’re tired of crying and we’re tired of having to bury women of all ages and stages in life.”

Zara Aleena

People wore t-shirts with Ms Aleena's face on. Credit: PA

Speaking to media on Friday, Ms Naz said her niece had been in her own local community, in an area she knew well where she felt safe, when she was attacked.

She said the family was determined to try to “change something” and compel the political leaders of Britain to act “right now to prevent violence”.

A mourner holds a photo of Ms Aleena, left, at the vigil. Credit: PA

Ilford North Labour MP West Streeting at the vigil. Credit: PA

She said: “(My niece) was not ignorant to the fact that women get hurt. This isn’t about making the streets safe, it’s about changing the mindset.”

Weeping, Ms Naz added: “We will never get through this, but it (the walk) will help us.”

A woman holds a poster at the vigil that says 'Say her name, Zara Aleena'. Credit: PA

Ms Aleena had been returning home from a night-out when she was dragged, kicked and stamped on, prosecutors said.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple serious injuries.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, of Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday accused of murder, attempted rape and robbery.

He entered no pleas and was remanded in custody.