Appeal Eight Years On From Muller Murder

Eight years on from the murder of artist Margaret Muller, detectives are continuing to appeal for assistance and are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.

Police were called on Monday 3 February 2003 to Victoria Park in east London, after Margaret was discovered collapsed on a pathway between the rose gardens and the children's play area.

The 27-year-old, of Wallis Road, was an artist who had travelled from America to study at the Slade School of Art, University College of London.

A post-mortem examination gave a cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

Officers are still appealing to anyone who was in the park on 3 February 2003, and who has yet to come forward, to contact them. They are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in or around the Gascoyne Estate on the day of the murder.

Whilst detectives retain an open mind about the possible motive of the attack, new intelligence suggests that Margaret could have been the victim of a failed robbery attempt.

Margaret was white, and had short dark brown hair. She was wearing a pair of black leggings, a green fleece top a pink woolly hat and grey trainers.

As a result of previous appeals officers have been concentrating their efforts around the Queen's Gate entrance to Victoria Park. They are particularly keen to trace anyone who witnessed a person walk past The Britannia pub, formally called The Victoria Park Inn, and enter the park through the Queen's Gate entrance at around 7.10am on the morning of the murder.

Alternatively, witnesses may recall a person sprinting back through the Queen's Gate entrance along Gascoyne Road and towards the Gascoyne Estate between 8.30am and 8.40am, shortly after the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall, who is leading the investigation for the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "Margaret was a talented young woman with a bright and exciting future ahead of her. That was all taken away when she was brutally struck down in Victoria Park eight years ago.

"Officers have worked tirelessly on this case and have managed to sift through literally hundreds of pieces of information and leads. Despite the tremendous support from the local community we know that some people still hold vital information about Margaret's murder.

"Together with information already gathered they could help us achieve justice for Margaret and her family and friends. We urge anyone with new information to come forward and assist us."

(BMcN)