A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at around 03:00hrs on Sunday, 26 September, at an address in East Sussex. He has been taken into police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Sabina’s family have been informed of this significant development and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.”

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Detectives, forensic officers and specialist staff from across the Met continue to work around the clock as the investigation into the murder of Sabina Nessa continues at pace.

Urgent enquiries continue to identify a man seen on CCTV footage in Pegler Square, SE3 shortly before Sabina’s murder. These images were released as part of media appeals on Thursday, 23 September and Friday, 24 September.

It is thought that the man is shown holding a reflective red item in the CCTV footage. Officers retain an open mind as to whether this was used in the attack on Sabina.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I continue to appeal for any witnesses and anyone with information to contact police and share what they know.

“People in the Kidbrooke area last Friday may recall seeing this man carrying a red reflective object, and possibly trying to conceal it up his sleeve. If so, please call police.

“Please share the CCTV footage on social media and, especially if you have connections to London or Kent, show the image to family members and friends who may not have seen it. He must be traced.

“We all saw at yesterday evening’s vigil, the impact that Sabina’s death has had on the community. I would reiterate my plea to those in the local area to think and if you have any information that could help this investigation, then please get in touch.”

Two men have been arrested and released under investigation, and officers are content that neither of them is the man shown in the CCTV footage. Detectives urgently need the public’s help to identify this man.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4266, tweet @MetCC or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.