POLICE have made an appeal on Crimewatch for information leading to the capture of Michelle Samaraweera's killer.

Following the release of an e-fit of the suspect earlier today (Monday) investigating officer Detective Inspector Stewart Hill appeared on the BBC programme alongside Ms Samaraweera's sister Ann Chandradasa.

Speaking on Crimewatch, Det Insp Hill said police are keen to speak to a potential witness, who was seen walking across a car park later in the morning, close to where Ms Samaraweera's body was found, at 5.50am on May 30.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have been in Somerfield in Markhouse Road at about 1am on the same morning, where Ms Samaraweera was caught on CCTV hours before she died.

He also stated the nickname "Calendar Killer" was misleading, saying: "This is an incredibly dangerous person. He could strike at any time."

Det Insp Hill confirmed the suspect is Asian, aged between 30 and 40 and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins tall.

"He speaks English but with an accent," he added.

"It's possible that he's nocturnal. He may live close to the area and may be able to leave home without raising any suspicion from family or friends."

Ms Chandradasa, 37, repeated a tearful appeal for the killer to come forward.

She said: "Michelle was a young girl. You may have a sister the same age. You've raped other women possibly the same age as your mother.

"I can't believe what you've done to our family. Nothing's going to bring Michelle back.

"We want you to give yourself up and for anybody with information to come forward. This man has got to be caught."

Sri Lankan national Michelle Samaraweera's body was found partially clothed in a children's playground near Kelmscott Leisure Centre, in Queens Road, near Markhouse Road.

The 35-year-old widow had been raped and strangled.

DNA evidence has since revealed the killer raped two other women, aged 59 and 46, in March and April this year.

Detective Superintendent Vic Rae, leading the investigation, said: "The e-fit and tonight's appeal on Crimewatch are designed to urge anyone with any concerns or suspicions to come forward.

"Someone has a brother or a son who may have acted suspiciously or been in the Queens Road area at the times of these attacks.

"It is vital they think of the community and come forward. This man must not be allowed to strike again."

Detectives are also taking DNA samples from men fitting the suspect's description, covering 9,000 homes within a half-mile radius of where the body was found.

It is the largest operation of its kind since the murder of teenage model Sally Ann Bowman in 2005.

The killer raped a 59-year-old woman in her own bedroom, in Queens Road on March 24.

He also raped a 46-year-old woman in an alleyway in the South Grove area, off Markhouse Road, on April 22.

A total of four men were initially arrested in connection with Ms Samaraweera's murder, but they have all been eliminated from the enquiry.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Another three people who may have been intended targets of the killer have come forward with information tonight.

More to follow.