Tributes have been paid to “incredible” BBC journalist Hanna Yusuf, who has died at the age of 27.
Ms Yusuf wrote for the corporation’s website and as recently as August had exposed working conditions at Costa Coffee, with workers alleging managers' refusing to pay for sickness or annual leave. The story prompted the café giant to launch an audit.
The cause of her death is unknown. Her family said in a statement that it was “sudden and unexpected and has come as a shock to us all”.
The tribute went on: “Hanna was a dedicated young vibrant professional who became a bridge between the media and the community, helping break boundaries in providing a voice and representation.
“Many will know Hanna for her incredible contributions to journalism and for her work at the BBC.
“While we mourn her loss, we hope that Hanna’s legacy will serve as an inspiration and beacon to her fellow colleagues and to her community and her meaningful memory and the people she has touched for many years lives on.”
Fran Unsworth, director of BBC News, said: "This is terrible news that has left us all deeply saddened.
“Hanna Yusuf was a talented young journalist who was widely admired across the BBC and our utmost sympathies go to her family and many friends. Hanna will be much missed."
