Monday, June 08, 2009

Police Hunt Muslim Serial Killer and Rapist...

Detectives hunting a killer and suspected serial rapist began a mass voluntary DNA sweep .

Investigators believe whoever raped and murdered Michelle Samaraweera, 35, in a park in Walthamstow, East London, lives nearby.

They have begun house-to-house inquiries and are asking anyone who matches the suspect's description to provide a sample of DNA.

Officers said the man may also be responsible for two other violent rapes in the Walthamstow area in March and April.

They are asking anyone who matches the suspect's description to provide a DNA sample
Detective Superintendent Vic Rae, who is leading the investigation, said: 'The DNA test is designed solely to apprehend the individual responsible for Michelle's brutal murder and the two linked sexual assaults.

'Much consideration and planning has gone into this decision and we feel this is the quickest and most comprehensive way to eliminate men from our investigation.
'While stranger murders and sexual assaults are incredibly rare we have to be mindful of the terrible ordeal these ladies endured.

'Michelle suffered a terrifying assault and the physical abuse against the other two women was significant.

'All three endured horrendous sexual abuse and it is therefore with the whole community in mind that we work to trace this man.'

Ms Samaraweera's body was discovered in a small park and play area in the early hours of May 30. She had been strangled and raped.

The murder was quickly linked with two similar attacks. The first took place at an address close to Queens Road on March 24 when a 59-year-old woman was forced inside her home and raped.
The second, in which a 46-year-old woman was attacked in an alleyway off Lea Bridge Road, took place in the early hours of April 22.

The suspect has been described as of Asian appearance, or with dark skin, and is aged between 30 and 40 years.

Police have released two CCTV stills of Ms Samaraweera captured at a branch of Somerfield, in Markhouse Road, shortly before her death.

Mr Rae said: 'Michelle was wearing a very distinctive black jacket with white parallel lines down the sleeves.

'We know she was in Somerfield between 1am and around 1.15am but we have no other sightings of her between 10pm on May 29 and the time her body was found at around 5.50am on May 30.

'We need to hear from anyone who saw Michelle or who has any information which could help.'
Waltham Forest borough commander Chief Superintendent Mark Benbow said patrols have been stepped up but women must be 'especially vigilant'.

Two men arrested on May 30 have been released with no further action. A further two men arrested the next day have been bailed until July pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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