Detectives investigating the murder of teacher Sabina Nessa have arrested a 38-year-old man in what Scotland Yard said was a “significant development”.

The suspect was detained by police on suspicion of murder at around 3am on Sunday at an address in East Sussex.

Ms Nessa had been on her way to meet a friend at a pub near her home when she was attacked in Cator Park, Kidbrooke, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, on 17 September.

The body of the 28-year-old was discovered by a member of the public the following day.

Announcing the arrest, 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.”

Ms Nessa’s killing has highlighted again public anger over violence against women, coming six months after huge public outcry when Sarah Everard was abducted, raped and murdered in south London by a police officer.

On Friday evening, hundreds of mourners including tearful relatives gathered for a candlelit vigil in memory of the primary school teacher.

Jebina Yasmin Islam, Ms Nessa’s sister, broke down as she addressed crowds.

She said: “Words cannot describe how we are feeling, this feels like we are stuck in a bad dream and can’t get out of it – our world is shattered, we are simply lost for words.

“No family should go through what we are going through.”