Obituary: Benedetta Ciaccia

Ms Ciaccia had much to look forward to

Two months away from her wedding, Benedetta Ciaccia was busy planning the big day in Rome and looking forward to a honeymoon in Sardinia and Corsica.

The Italian-born business analyst, 30, lived in Norwich with her fiance Fiaz Bhatti.

Ms Ciaccia had just completed a five-year part-time degree course in IT and worked in The Strand in central London.

Her daily commute took her into Liverpool Street by train and then a Tube on the Circle Line.

When she went missing on 7 July, with a Circle Line train ripped apart near Aldgate station, Mr Bhatti feared the worst.

It was the beginning of an agonising week for the British-born Muslim, who walked the streets of London with a home-made missing person poster.

Hopes his wife-to-be was still alive evaporated and her death was finally confirmed on 16 July.

She was buried in Rome in her wedding dress

The 29-year-old, who works as a sales adviser in Norwich, said: "Benedetta was a really lively person.

"She was strong and independent and she loved to travel and socialise. We hadn't had a chance to travel together and the honeymoon was to be our first trip.

"We planned to go to Sardinia and Corsica. It was going to be the start of a wonderful married life together."

Ms Ciaccia was originally from Rome and one of three sisters. She had been living in the UK since 1995, having originally come here as an au pair.

After that she had worked in bars and restaurants, then found a post at the Financial Times and later worked for Pearson Publishing and DK Publishing.

Adored by children

She took different classes, most recently a course in computer studies.

The couple met three years ago and for 18 months had been living in Norwich, where Mr Bhatti's parents own a shop. They were due to marry in Rome in September.

Jonathan Clay, who employed her as au pair at his former home in Norwich, told the Norwich Evening News: "She was a funny, lovely and very intelligent young woman and was adored by our children, especially Megan."

He said Miss Ciaccia taught his children Italian and how to cook, and they were devastated by the news.

Her body was flown to Italy for a funeral and she was buried in Rome in her wedding dress.

For the occasion the council put posters around the city, saying: "Benedetta, Rome hugs you."