The body of murdered teacher Sabina Nessa was only found hours after she was attacked, Police confirmed.

The 28-year-old’s body was not discovered until the following morning in Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London, after being killed at about 20:30 BST.

Detective Superintendent Luke Marks said there was a “short delay” in finding her body because it was “not on the main walkway”.

Speaking at New Scotland Yard he said: “A member of the public found the body the morning after the attack. It wasn’t on the main walkway in the park, so that was the reason for the small delay in Sabina being found.”

He added: “We are horrified by the shocking murder of Sabina Nessa and our thoughts remain with her family and friends who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

“Our officers are working around the clock to find the person responsible for this fatal attack. Today we are asking you, the public, to help us with our investigation.”

The Year 1 teacher had worked for just over a year at Rushey Green Primary School in Catford.

The head teacher spoke of how “devastated” the school community was after the death of “a brilliant teacher”.

“She was kind, caring and absolutely dedicated to her pupils. She had so much life ahead of her and so much more to give.

“As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time, and we will be providing specialist support to those who need it.”