36-year-old Koci Selamaj has been charged with the murder of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa, the Metropolitan Police said.

Selamaj was arrested in Eastbourne in the early hours of Sunday before being taken into police custody.

On Monday, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and a charge was authorised.

Selamaj will appear at at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Ms Nessa, 28, was killed as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London, on her way to meet a friend on September 17.

Her body was found nearly 24 hours later covered with leaves near a community centre in the park.

Statement from Crown Prosecution Service

Lisa Ramsarran, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge Koci Selamaj, 36, with one count of murder.

“The charge relates to the murder of 28-year-old primary school teacher Sabina Nessa in Kidbrooke, south-east London, on Friday, September 17 2021.

“The CPS London Homicide Unit authorised the charge following a review of a file of evidence received from the Metropolitan Police Service.

“The defendant’s first court appearance will take place on September 28 2021.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”