A woman stabbed to death in a frenzied attack was yesterday described by colleagues as one of London’s “most professional and caring” nurses.
The 42-year-old mother and NHS worker was knifed repeatedly in the neck after leaving Castleview GP surgery in Lordship Lane, Tottenham, where she worked.
As she reached nearby Bruce Grove she was confronted by a man and witnesses described a blazing row between them, before he suddenly pulled out a knife and plunged it into her neck.
He is said to have then calmly stood rolling a cigarette as he waited for police to arrive. Witnesses said he appeared to know his victim.
Yesterday police appealed for people seen taking pictures of the attack to come forward. It took place at about 1pm on Wednesday.
The victim has not yet been named.
Dr Fariba Azarian, a GP at one of the practices where she worked, said: “She was an absolutely lovely, lovely lady. One of the most professional and caring people that I have seen.
“She was somebody who’d go out of her way to help people and patients. We are shocked and distraught.”
Ebru Tora, from Teddy’s Minimart, said: “We heard a blazing row over the road. We went out and saw the woman on the ground and a man smoking a cigarette with blood over his hands.
“It looked like they must have known each other. She had something sticking out of her neck. I think it was the knife, it was horrific.” Sergio Fernandes, 21, from nearby Unity Radio Online, said eyewitnesses told him: “The man came and stabbed her four times in the neck.” The nurse was taken to a central London hospital, but pronounced dead.
A man aged 46 was arrested at the scene and was being questioned yesterday. On Twitter, Tottenham MP David Lammy called the attack “horrendous” and added: “Glad that the suspect is in custody. Thanks to paramedics and hospital staff for their efforts.”
Forensic officers combed the scene, behind a police cordon, until late Wednesday night, putting down markers around a discarded bag of tobacco on the street with blood around it.
Police appealed for witnesses.
Detective chief inspector Noel McHugh, leading the murder inquiry, said: “We would like to speak to a black male in a white tracksuit top seen taking images at the scene. He is not a suspect, but we urge him to get in touch.”