POLICE investigating the murder of Michelle Samaraweera and two other related sexual assaults are to carry out DNA testing on men living near where her body was found.

The move comes as officers step up their search for the man responsible for killing the 35 year-old widow from Barkingside, after her partially clothed body was found in a Walthamstow park in the early hours of the morning on Saturday May 30.

Ms Samaraweera, who lived alone in Kielder Close, had been raped and strangled, with police linking her murder to recent attacks on two other women in the area.

Police will be making house-to-house enquiries in the roads close to the murder scene, in Queen’s Road, and asking any men who match the suspect's description to voluntarily provide a DNA sample.

The DNA sweep, which will involve mouth swabs, is aimed at eliminating as many innocent men from the investigation as possible.

Detectives believe her attacker, who is described as being Asian in appearance and aged between 30 and 40, has detailed knowledge of the Walthamstow area and is likely to live locally.

Detective Superintendent Vic Rae, who is leading the investigation from the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC), said: "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.

"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."

Since the murder, Waltham Forest police have increased high-visibility patrols and would like to hear from anyone who may have been approached by a man matching the suspect's description.

On March 24 this year a 59-year-old woman was attacked near her home, in Queens Road, at about 1am.

The suspect lay in wait for her on her doorstep and as she went to open her front door he forced himself inside and raped her in her bedroom.

On April 22, again at about 1am, a 46 year-old woman was walking along Lea Bridge Road, near Markhouse Road, when a suspect approached her and tried to engage her in conversation.

He then forced her down an alleyway before raping her.

The attack is believed to have happened in the area near St James St station.

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