POLICE hunting a serial rapist who murdered Michelle Samaraweera received a number of calls following a television appeal.

Detective Inspector Stewart Hill, who appeared on BBC programme Crimewatch on Monday said several names had been put forward.

"We've had a great response," he said.

"We've had a number of incidents reported to us that may be linked and have been previously unreported."

Det Insp Hill added that a man had called in to say his girlfriend had been raped in similar circumstances to Ms Samaraweera but failed to leave a telephone number.

He also stated that all reports will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and encouraged women to come forward if they have been attacked.

Ms Samaraweera, 35, a widow, of Hainault, was raped and murdered on May 30.

Her partially clothed body was found in a children's play area in Queens Road at about 5.50am.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen Ms Samaraweera in Somerfield on Markhouse Road at about 1am on the morning she died.

They are also seeking a man who was spotted later the same morning, walking through a car park near where the body was found.

An e-fit was also released earlier today and the suspect is described as an Asian man, between 30 and 40 years old and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins tall.

He is said to speak English but with an accent.

DNA evidence has since linked the killer to two other rapes 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."

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.

Both attacks happened at about 1am.

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