Shrine for girl who thrived in London

Zaklina Koneva visits her daughter's grave almost daily.

At home, a shrine lit by candles commemorates the life of the young girl.

It is nearly seven years since 12-year-old Katerina was stalked and then strangled to death in her home.

She had been in Britain for just two years. She and her family had sought sanctuary from Macedonia in the wartorn Balkans.

Their new life blossomed. Her father, Trajce, was a mature student learning English at the college near the family's first floor flat in Hammersmith.

Katerina had adapted to England better than all of them. She was a Spice Girl fan, spoke excellent English and was one of the brightest in her year at 1,400-pupil Holland Park School.

Head teacher Mary Marsh described her as "an exceptional student" adding: "She had been awarded over 50 commendations and the junior choir had thrived on her leadership and commitment."

Her father described her as "the best, at everything she was the best".

Her mother, now split from her father and looking after a foster child as well as their 12-year-old son Kristian, said: "I don't know what happiness is any more.

"Katerina would be 18 now and at university. She was special, gifted and bright. She dreamed of being a pianist.

"After she was taken away it was impossible to hold the family together. I am so protective of Kristian, I fostered because I didn't want him to be alone in life."

Mrs Koneva has bought her daughter Christmas and birthday presents and a ring every year since the murder.

Mrs Koneva, who attended each day of the trial, says she wants Katerina's killer "to be in the darkness as I am in the darkness".

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