Hundreds of people have gathered at a vigil dedicated to Zara Aleena, who was killed as she walked home from a night out.

Suspect Jordan McSweeney, 29, formerly of Rochester, appeared in court yesterday accused of the 35-year-old's murder, as well as attempted rape and robbery.

Ms Aleena was only minutes from her front door when she was attacked while walking along Cranbrook Road in Ilford, east London, on June 26.

Today, nearly a week on from the law graduate's death, a vigil organised by Ms Aleena’s family took place to try to bring comfort to her loved ones while highlighting the epidemic of male violence against women and girls.

Many of those on Cranbrook Road donned white clothing while mourners left dozens of bouquets of flowers and cards in tribute to Ms Aleena.

Roads were closed in the area to allow the crowd – led by members of Ms Aleena's family –to walk the 10-minute journey from the scene of her attack to her home.

Marai Larasi, a member of campaign group Million Women Rise, said: “We are here to support the family, we are here to bring her home in spirit, we are here to honour her life, and we are here with absolute exhaustion because we are tired of vigils, we are tired of crying and we are tired of having to bury women of all ages and stages in life.”

Speaking to media on Friday, Ms Aleena’s aunt said her niece had been in her own local community, in an area she knew well where she felt safe, when she was attacked.

Farah Naz said the family was determined to try to “change something” and compel the political leaders of Britain to act “right now to prevent violence”.

She said: “(My niece) was not ignorant to the fact that women get hurt. This is not about making the streets safe, it is about changing the mindset.”

Weeping, Ms Naz added: “We will never get through this, but it (the walk) will help us.”

The vigil took the form of a silent walk that traced the route Ms Aleena had been taking but never got to complete, “to bring her back where she belonged safely”.

Those attending the vigil met at 1.30pm opposite Cranbrook Rise on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, ending at 2.17pm – the time in the morning on June 26 Ms Aleena was attacked.

Her family requested attendees wear white and remain “silent and sombre” as “we walk Zara home in our hearts”.

In anticipation of the silent vigil for Ms Aleena, women were sharing photos of their shoes to social media with the hashtag #SafelyHomeInOurShoes.

The Londoner had been returning home from a night-out when she was dragged, kicked and stamped on, prosecutors said.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple serious injuries.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, of Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday accused of murder, attempted rape and robbery.

The former Rochester resident entered no pleas and was remanded in custody.