Murdered for being a Muslim?

Colchester police are investigating whether or not a Saudi Arabian student was murdered for being a Muslim.

Although the police are keeping an open mind about the motives for what seems to be a senseless killing they are very much aware that the victim was wearing a dark navy-blue full-length robe called an abaya, with a patterned, multicoloured hijab headscarf.

The woman named as Nahid Almanea, 31, was walking on the Salary Brook trail on Tuesday morning. Paramedics tried to save her but she died at the scene from head and body injuries.

One thing for sure is the anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim fervour propagated by certain sections of the media and some politicians is in danger of unwittingly – and at times wittingly - inciting racial hatred, which in term signals the green light to physically attack.

The University of Essex where Almanea was studying has informed all staff and students about the attack and reminded them of safety procedures, a spokeswoman said.

She added:

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young woman who died, and we are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The university is providing every possible assistance to the police."

Update: A 52 year old man has been arrested and is being questioned by police about the murder of Nahid Almanea.

Simon Woolley