The Duchess of Cambridge said she was “saddened by the loss of another innocent young woman on our streets” as murder probe police continued the hunt for Sabina Nessa’s killer.
The Duchess commented as hundreds of people prepared to gather at a vigil for the 28-year-old primary school teacher, who was attacked and killed a week ago on her way to meet a friend.
Detectives have released footage of a man they wish to speak to over the death, in Kidbrooke, south-east London.
Writing on Twitter, the duchess said: “I am saddened by the loss of another innocent young woman on our streets.
Kate Middleton's tweet
Kate Middleton
“My thoughts are with Sabina’s family and friends, and all those who have been affected by this tragic event. C”
The message was signed off personally with her initial.
In March, the Duchess privately visited the memorial to murdered marketing executive Sarah Everard in Clapham Common, south-west London, after the 33-year-old was killed by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens.
He is due to be sentenced next week.
The duchess’s comment came as Ms Nessa’s family made an impassioned plea for women to “keep safe” as hundreds of mourners prepared to pay their respects at a vigil on Friday.
Ms Nessa, 28, had been walking to meet a friend at a pub near her home when she was fatally attacked in nearby Cator Park.
Her body was discovered by a member of the public the next day, having been hidden under a pile of leaves, it was reported.
Both men arrested on suspicion of murder in recent days have now been released pending further investigation, while detectives remain keen to trace a third man captured on CCTV near where Ms Nessa was killed.
