AN alleyway was cordoned off by police yesterday searching for more evidence left by the serial rapist who killed Michelle Samaraweera.

The alleyway at the end of Markhouse Road in Walthamstow was where a woman endured a sustained and violent rape in April, which DNA evidence has linked to the man who killed Ms Samaraweera two weeks ago.

Detectives scoured the area again yesterday to ensure that no traces of the killer had been missed in order to assist with the murder enquiry.

The murder is also being linked with a rape in March of a 59-year-home woman in her home in Queen's Road, Walthamstow.

A DNA sweep by police of about 9,000 homes in a half-mile radius of the scene of the murder in a play park in Queen's Road is underway.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that 300 homes have been visited already and 100 DNA samples have been taken from men who fit the description - aged 30-45 of Asian appearance.

She said that the Walthamstow community has been very supportive with the detective's enquiries and only five men have declined to volunteer a sample.

The spokeswoman said that those who decline will be investigated and eliminated from the inquiry.

The spokeswoman said that all DNA samples collected during this sweep will be destroyed in the presence of an community representative independent from the police.

Anyone with information that may assist the inquiry should call the incident room on 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.