DETECTIVES hunting a murdering serial rapist will appeal for help on BBC’s Crimewatch programme.
There has been no major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder and rape of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, since forensic evidence linked her killer with two other rapes in the Walthamstow area this year.
Det Supt Sue Williams has revealed CCTV footage shows Ms Samaraweera meeting a man in Markhouse Road at around 1am after visiting the Somerfield service station.
The pair are then seen going to the playground where her partially-clothed body was found the next morning by a passerby, but the quality of the images do not reveal why she went to the secluded area.
Detectives are also being hampered by the fact that despite DNA evidence showing the same man was responsible for all three attacks, they have received conflicting descriptions from surviving victims.
Deputy borough commander Sue Williams said: "My officers are frustrated. Every day they believe they have caught the rapist only to find out it is not the right person. That is how keen they are to apprehend this nasty individual."
Detectives cordoned off an alleyway last week at the end of Markhouse Road where a woman was raped by the man in April in attempt to gather more evidence The killer also raped a 59-year-old woman in her home in Queen's Road.
A plan to gather DNA samples from 9,000 men who live in the area is underway.
So far 303 samples have been collected and ten people have refused to provide a swab.
Det Insp Williams is refusing to rule out treating those who have not provided DNA as suspects.
She told a meeting of the Community Safety Board that all records of innocent people who have given samples would be destroyed at the end of the investigation.
"I want to thank the local community for being so supportive in what are difficult times," she said.
There have been increased police patrols around Markhouse Road during the evening and early morning.
Police have also been attending community events to reassure the public.
The Crimewatch appeal will be shown on Monday, June 29, at 9pm on BBC1.
Police are looking for an Asian man aged between 20 and 50.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 8345 3715 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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