A WOMAN who was found dead in a Walthamstow park has been identified.

Michelle Samaraweera, 35, a widow, was unemployed and lived alone in Kielder Close, Hainault.

She was discovered by a passerby in a park in Queens Road, near to Kelmsctott Leisure Centre, at 5.50am on Saturday, May 30.

London Ambulance attended but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite a post-mortem being held on Saturday, police have refused to divulge the cause of death 'for operational reasons'.

It is believed the victim was filmed on CCTV at the nearby Somerfield service station in Markhouse Road at 1am.

Detectives are still trying to establish a motive for the killing.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, is leading the murder enquiry.

She said: "I know Michelle was alive shortly after 1am on Saturday morning, when she was in the area of Queens Road and Markhouse Road having gone to the Somerfield supermarket.

"I want to hear from anyone who saw Michelle on Friday night or Saturday morning, in particular anyone who may have seen her between 1am, and 5.50am when she was found."

A woman, who knew Michelle but did not want to be named, said: "She was a quiet girl. She was the sort of person that if she knew you she'd say hello but she wouldn't talk to anyone and everyone.

"She was a nice woman. I was shocked when I found out she'd died. It's absolutely horrible that someone would want to kill another human being."

Aamir Khan, 39, of Queens Road, a duty manager of a Sainsbury's store in Holborn, said: "I find it really scary when I am walking on nearby streets when I am returning from work at around 10pm.

"The junction between Markhouse Road and Queens Road is the worst. As you head towards Hoe Street, it's much better.

"I have lived in Queens Road for the last two-and-a-half years and there is more crime round here than there used to be."

He added elders in the nearby Mosque had warned worshippers about keeping an eye on their valuables.

Sharon Russell, 51, an ex-nurse, of Queens Road, said: "The point is the council do not lock gates to the park all the time.

"I don't feel unsafe if I'm out late at night but I do feel this area used to be better."

Two men, aged 29 and 35, were arrested on Saturday May 30. Both have been bailed to return on separate dates in June and July.

Two other men, aged 32 and 34, were arrested in connection with the murder and are currently in custody.

Kelmscott Leisure Centre and nearby Kelmscott School remained closed on Monday while forensic evidence was gathered.

Kelmscott School has since reopened.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 8345 3715 or to remain annonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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