Alana Odysseus was stabbed to death in her Lynmouth Road flat in the early hours of Monday. The 32-year-old had just found she was pregnant with her third child, reports Marco Marcelline

Alana Odysseus, Credit: Provided by family

The sister of a woman who was killed in her Walthamstow flat has described her as “a kind soul” with a “heart of gold”.

Alana Odysseus was stabbed to death in her Lynmouth Road flat in the early hours of Monday (22nd July). The mother-of-two had found out she was pregnant with her third child just four days before she was killed.

Police have charged her former partner Shaine March, 45, with murder. He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Tuesday (23rd July) and was remanded into custody.

Alana’s sister Jasmine Yates has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for Alana to be buried alongside her grandmother Patricia in her hometown of Newmarket, Suffolk.

Alana’s family is also raising money for a trust fund for her two daughters.

On the page, Jasmine writes of her sister: “My beautiful sister Alana had her life tragically taken. Alana was a mother of two beautiful girls. She was the best mother and fought hard for her kids. She was the best sister we could ask for. She was an auntie and she loved her nieces and nephews with a passion.”

Alana’s friend, Katie Lake, shared a tribute on Facebook, writing: “You had your whole life ahead of you and baby Victoria.

“No words can express the pain in our hearts right now. Flight high beautiful shine bright. Hope justice is served so you can rest in eternal peace.”

Speaking after March’s arrest, chief superintendent Rhona Hunt, responsible for policing in Walthamstow, said: “Our thoughts are with this young woman’s family following their devastating loss. Urgent enquiries by officers led to the swift arrest of a suspect who is now in custody. We will now work to establish the circumstances that led to this terrible tragedy.”

In a statement released earlier this week, Waltham Forest Council leader Grace Williams said she was “deeply saddened” by Alana’s murder.

She said: “Alana was a member of our community and only 32 years old. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“I understand that the community will be upset, angry and concerned. There will be additional police presence in the area over the coming days, and council officers will also be engaging with residents and businesses to discuss concerns and the support that is available.”

She added: “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable and we will not stand for it in Waltham Forest. We have a dedicated team at the council who can give you safe, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support, and I urge anyone who is experiencing violence or abuse or who is worried about someone else to please reach out to us.”

The murder comes shortly after 29-year-old Renai Belle from Edmonton was charged with the murder of Josh McKay, a father-of-two from Waltham Forest.

He was fatally stabbed on Lea Bridge Road on Saturday 6th July in broad daylight. Friends, family and community members have since paid tribute to Josh, bringing flowers, balloons and family photos to the pavement outside the barbershop where he was fatally stabbed.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, providing the reference 780/22JUL. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

If you are affected by domestic violence or anything you read in this article please visit the council’s dedicated support services

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