An Epsom primary school has confirmed the woman who was murdered near Nonsuch Park was a parent whose children were pupils.

Aliny Mendes, 39, was reportedly on her way to pick her children up from Meadow Primary School before she was stabbed to death in broad daylight on February 8.

Since then Ricardo Godinho, 41, of Kingston Road, has been charged in connection with her murder and has appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court this week (February 11).

READ: Man, 41, charged with the murder of Aliny Mendes

In a statement, Meadow Primary School’s executive head Gayle Jenkins said: “This is a devastating loss and our sincere condolences go to friends and family.

“We are doing all we can to support the family and our school community at this difficult time.

“The school is working closely with authorities and will do all it can to assist the police investigation.”

Another man, in his 50s and from London, was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but was released with no further action to be taken against him, Surrey Police said.

Friends and family have also since raised more than £40,000 in a bid repatriate Aliny’s body back to her native family in Brazil and hire a lawyer amid high legal costs.

READ: Money raised for family of mum-of-four Aliny Mendes

Her grieving sister described her as having a “wonderful heart” and a “caring sister”.

Sutton Council’s leaders, Cllr Ruth Dombey and Cllr Tim Crowley have also spoken in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing.

In a joint statement they said: “Residents will be as shocked and saddened as we are to learn of a fatal stabbing near the border of Surrey and Sutton.

"Our thoughts immediately go out to the family and friends of the deceased and any others affected by this terrible crime.

"We are liaising with Surrey Police, who are leading the investigation, and offer them any support they need.

"We want to praise the professionalism of all our emergency services for dealing with this matter so considerately.

"Incidents as tragic as these are a rare occurrence in and near our borough. They remind us of our shared role in helping ensure everybody can live in safety and that those who require support are able to receive it.

“We will continue to work together to ensure all residents enjoy the usual safety of Sutton’s streets.”

READ: 'She had a wonderful heart': Family tribute to Aliny Mendes

The matter has been referred to Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or http://surrey.police.uk/TellUsMore, quoting reference PR/45190014238.

You can also give information, 100 per cent anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111; or through their anonymous online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.