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08/11/2010
Murder Appeal As DNA Link Uncovered
London police detectives are planning to distribute more than 60,000 leaflets across the capital's Waltham Forest this week in a bid to identify the person responsible for the murder of Michelle Samaraweera and three DNA-linked sexual assaults.
Michelle's body was found during the early hours of Saturday, May 30 2009, in a small park and play area along Queens Road, E17, close to the junction with Markhouse Road. Michelle, 35, had been strangled and raped.
The leaflet drop, targeting 60,500 homes, is designed to encourage anyone with information about the incidents to come forward. They also mention the substantial reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.
This latest appeal follows the release of CCTV images taken on the night Michelle was attacked, Saturday, May 30 2009, revealing a man entering the Somerfield supermarket in Markhouse Road, E17, while Michelle was inside the shop.
Despite several efforts by detectives to trace the man they are still hopeful that members of the public can assist and identify him.
Police were first alerted to a series of further attacks on women after commencing the investigation in to Michelle's murder on 30 May 2009.
Following reviews of previously reported cases, detectives obtained conclusive DNA results linking the man responsible with three other serious sexual assaults in the WalthamForest area. Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC) have linked the three assaults in the area to the murder of Michelle Samaraweera.
The suspect has been described as being of Asian appearance, or with dark skin and dark hair, and is aged between 30 and 45 years.
Along with these incidents officers further appealed for witnesses and information about two further assaults on women in the South Grove and Markhouse Road areas in March 2009.
They are not DNA linked cases but appear similar to the other four attacks.
The suspect in both attacks was described as being of Asian or black appearance with a light skin tone.
Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill of the HSCC said: "This latest appeal is designed to reach any members of the community who may have missed any previous appeals and the reward of up to £20,000 for information about Michelle's murder and the linked assaults.
"Someone knows who committed these attacks and can help the devastated family of Michelle finally move forward," he said, noting that anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3715; if they wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(BMcC/GK)
Michelle's body was found during the early hours of Saturday, May 30 2009, in a small park and play area along Queens Road, E17, close to the junction with Markhouse Road. Michelle, 35, had been strangled and raped.
The leaflet drop, targeting 60,500 homes, is designed to encourage anyone with information about the incidents to come forward. They also mention the substantial reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.
This latest appeal follows the release of CCTV images taken on the night Michelle was attacked, Saturday, May 30 2009, revealing a man entering the Somerfield supermarket in Markhouse Road, E17, while Michelle was inside the shop.
Despite several efforts by detectives to trace the man they are still hopeful that members of the public can assist and identify him.
Police were first alerted to a series of further attacks on women after commencing the investigation in to Michelle's murder on 30 May 2009.
Following reviews of previously reported cases, detectives obtained conclusive DNA results linking the man responsible with three other serious sexual assaults in the WalthamForest area. Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC) have linked the three assaults in the area to the murder of Michelle Samaraweera.
The suspect has been described as being of Asian appearance, or with dark skin and dark hair, and is aged between 30 and 45 years.
Along with these incidents officers further appealed for witnesses and information about two further assaults on women in the South Grove and Markhouse Road areas in March 2009.
They are not DNA linked cases but appear similar to the other four attacks.
The suspect in both attacks was described as being of Asian or black appearance with a light skin tone.
Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill of the HSCC said: "This latest appeal is designed to reach any members of the community who may have missed any previous appeals and the reward of up to £20,000 for information about Michelle's murder and the linked assaults.
"Someone knows who committed these attacks and can help the devastated family of Michelle finally move forward," he said, noting that anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3715; if they wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(BMcC/GK)
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