Family of murdered British student ‘devastated’ by ‘senseless tragic attack’

The family of British student Hannah Bladon, who was stabbed to death in Jerusalem on Good Friday, said they are “devastated” by the “senseless and tragic attack”.

They said the 20-year-old had been taking part in an archaeological dig that morning and described her as a “talented musician” and “enthusiastic rugby player”.

She was attacked while travelling on a light rail train near the Old City, which was packed as Christians marked Good Friday and Jews celebrated Passover.

In a statement issued through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office they said: “Hannah was the most caring, sensitive and compassionate daughter you could ever wish for.”

Ms Bladon, a student at the University of Birmingham, had been on an exchange programme with the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since January.

She was attacked by a Palestinian man who pulled a knife from his bag and repeatedly stabbed her as the tram neared Jerusalem’s City Hall.

Her family said she was a “talented student” and that she had been “taking part in an archaeological dig that morning”.

“Hannah was a talented musician, part of a serving team at her local church and a member of her local archaeological group,” the family statement added.

“She was an enthusiastic rugby player and a keen Derby County supporter.

“She was driven and passionate and her death leaves so much promise unfulfilled.

“Our family are devastated by this senseless and tragic attack.”