Community Vigils Bring Comfort After Kirandeep Kaur’s Death

The family of Kirandeep Kaur, the 24-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed at her home in west London, has said that community vigils held in her memory have brought them comfort during their grief.

Kirandeep Kaur was killed while sleeping beside her husband and baby at their home on Uxbridge Road in Hayes on 12 July. Her eldest brother, Paljinder Singh, speaking from India to BBC London through a translator, said the support shown by local communities in the UK had helped the family cope with their loss.

He said the vigils made them feel that people in Britain were standing with them during this difficult time. Reflecting on his sister's decision to move abroad, he said the family would never have allowed her to leave if they had known such a tragedy would happen.

Kaur moved to the UK around two years ago to study at Buckinghamshire New University before later working in a grocery store. Originally, she had hoped to move to Canada, but when those plans fell through, she chose to continue her studies and life in London instead.

Her family lives in Tarn Taran, in the Indian state of Punjab, where her brother described her as a kind and caring person who was always willing to help others and never spoke badly about anyone. He said her death has left an irreplaceable void in the family's life.

Several marches and candlelight vigils have been organised across west London since her death. Singh expressed gratitude to everyone who took part, saying he hopes such a tragedy never happens to another family.

He also appealed for his sister's body to be returned to India, saying he wants the chance to see her one final time before she is laid to rest.

A 46-year-old man, Daniel Sean James, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident.

Prosecutors allege James attacked Kaur at her home before jumping from a window, breaking both ankles, and being arrested nearby.

James, from Mercer Place in Pinner, appeared before the Old Bailey via video link from Wormwood Scrubs Prison. A plea hearing has been scheduled for 1 October, and he remains in custody awaiting trial.