Sabina Nessa: Book of condolence opened for killed teacher

A book of condolence has been opened for people to pay respects to teacher Sabina Nessa, who was killed as she walked to a pub in south-east London.

The book is in a community centre near Cator Park in Kidbrooke, close to where the 28-year-old's body was discovered.

On Friday, more than 500 people joined a vigil in Pegler Square, near to where a wanted suspect was seen on CCTV.

He was filmed in Pegler Square on the night of the killing carrying what is thought to be "a reflective red item".

Detectives said they "retain an open mind as to whether this was used in the attack on Sabina".

Sabina Nessa was found near the One Space community centre in Kidbrooke

Appealing for further help to identify the man, Det Ch Insp Neil John said he may have been "trying to conceal it [the red item] up his sleeve".

"Please share the CCTV footage on social media and... show the image to family members and friends who may not have seen it.

"He must be traced," he added.

Two men who were arrested on suspicion of murder have both since been released pending further investigations.

Police said they were "content that neither of them is the man shown in the CCTV footage".

Ms Nessa was attacked as she was walking to meet a friend at The Depot bar on 17 September, shortly after leaving her home in Astell Road.

Her body was found the following day by a member of the public near a walkway in the park.

The book of condolence has been opened at the OpenSpace community centre.

The centre's manager Kathryn Gosden said they planned to give the book to Ms Nessa's family "to show that Sabina was part of this community... and we are sorry and will remember her".

She added that those living in the area were still "very, very scared" about what had happened.

"Even today, people are out in twos and threes, they're not out on their own," she said.

Police have also released an image of a car they believe the wanted man had access to

More candles and tributes have also been left in Pegler Square, where hundreds of people gathered for Friday evening's vigil.

Addressing the crowd on Friday evening, Ms Nessa's sister Jebina Yasmin Islam said she had "lost an amazing, caring, beautiful sister, who left this world far too early".

Others members of her family spoke at a separate rally earlier that evening at East London Mosque.

A candle was also lit outside No 10 Downing Street in memory of Ms Nessa, while the Duchess of Cambridge said she was "saddened by the loss of another innocent young woman on our streets".

At the scene

Megan Paterson, BBC News correspondent

With every hour that passes the number of flowers, cards and candles left near where Sabina Nessa's body was found continues to grow.

There are letters from friends and colleagues, and many more from people who didn't know Sabina Nessa but want to pay tribute to her.

Three heart shaped red balloons float beside the pathway she would have taken on her way to meet a friend last Friday, near the place where she was attacked.

Having been closed behind the police cordon all week, the OpenSpace Community Centre has opened its doors today, offering people the chance to sign a book of condolence.

A space normally used for dance lessons, football training and coffee mornings is now a focus for a grieving community.

Meanwhile, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales Dame Vera Baird said police needed to better protect the public, rather than women being asked to take precautions.

Crowds gathered not far from the crime scene where forensic officers are still working

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Dame Vera said: "Apparently the police have been giving out rape alarms to women and giving leaflets out saying how to stay safe in a public place.

"It is less, isn't it, about giving women leaflets on keeping themselves safe in dangerous places and more about the police making the streets safe for women?"

Candles have been lit in Pegler Square where Friday's vigil was held

She added: "Three-quarters of women over 16 have been harassed in a public place and don't feel safe.

"They need to know that the police understand that and will use all the powers they have got to keep the streets safe."

• Does following the 'rules' keep women safe?

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe previously said the force was not asking women to change their behaviour when going out at night.

"Violence against women and girls is a priority for police across the UK but we're really conscious that women should be free to go about their lives without fear of abuse."

She added violence against women was "something that is tolerated far too much in society and we the police are determined to bring offenders to justice and to prevent these offences where we can".