CCTV released in Hainault woman murder probe

DETECTIVES investigating the rape and murder of a �35-year-old woman more than a year ago have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the death.

DETECTIVES investigating the rape and murder of a �35-year-old woman more than a year ago have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the death.

The footage from May 30, 2009 – the night Michelle Samaraweera died – shows a man entering the Somerfield supermarket in Markhouse Road, Walthamstow.

Miss Samaraweera, of Kielder Close, Hainault, went into the same supermarket that night before walking to her boyfriend’s house.

Her body was found nearby in Queens Road hours later.

She had been strangled and was found partially clothed.

Police are hoping that the public can help track down the man after several efforts to find him failed.

Investigators were alerted to three other serious sexual assaults on women in the Waltham Forest area after they started the murder investigation.

Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command have linked the three assaults in the area to the murder of Miss Samaraweera.

The suspect is described as of Asian appearance, or with dark skin and dark hair, aged between 30 and 45.

Detective Chief Insp Stewart Hill said: “We have been �trying to trace a man who entered the shop on the same night as Michelle and we’re keen to speak to anyone who can help us identify him.

“Due to the clarity of the �pictures we’re confident someone will know him and his �current whereabouts.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3715, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.