Parents of murdered Hannah Bladon pay tribute to 'most caring' daughter

The parents of a British student murdered in Jerusalem have paid tribute to their "driven and passionate" daughter.

Hannah Bladon, 20, had been on student exchange at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, but was stabbed repeatedly by a 57-year-old Palestinian man on Friday (14 April).

Bladon was swiftly taken to hospital as medics tried to patch the stab wounds in her chest, but she was confirmed dead shortly after.

A statement released by Bladon's parents said: "Hannah was the most caring, sensitive and compassionate daughter you could ever wish for.

"She was a talented student and was studying at Birmingham University for a degree in religion, theology and archaeology. At the time of her death, she was part of a student exchange programme and was studying at the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 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. 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."

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Birmingham and the Rothberg International School all also released statements paying tribute to the student.

"Her friends described her as an inquisitive and adventurous student who made the most of her opportunity to learn and experience life in Israel," a spokesman for the Rothberg International School said.

A pregnant 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man were also injured in the attack, which took place on a tram near Jerusalem City Hall, but were not injured.

The attacker was named by Israel's Shin Bet security agency as Jamil Tamimi. He was recently released from a psychiatric hospital and had previously attempted to take his own life, Jerusalem police chief Yoram Halevy said to AFP.

He was stopped when an off-duty policeman travelling on the tram pulled an emergency brake and overpowered the Tamimi, with the help of another passenger.