POLICE investigating the murder of a teenage asylum seeker who lived and worked in Waltham Forest say they are confident of an arrest in the long term.

Dritan Perdoda was discovered buried in a shallow grave in private Hertfordshire woodland on New Year's Day.

Mr Perdoda, also known as Adrian or Ardian Deda, was stabbed. A fingertip search of the grave, which was only a few inches deep, was finally completed two weeks ago.

It is believed he could have been buried as long ago as October or November and officers are now trying to piece together his last movements in the days leading up to his death.

A police spokeswoman said: "Inquiries are ongoing and we are in this for the long run. With this investigation we are trying to build up an idea of his life before the murder.

"Officers have spoken to members of the Albanian community in Waltham Forest and people who know Dritan Perdoda. We would like to hear from anyone who has been on holiday or away for a while who may have known him.

"Common sense tells us that at least two people did this but it may be more than that. We are still not sure whether he died at the scene or was murdered and then taken there.

"Hopefully we are going to find that significant piece of information that will help catch the people who did this."

The teenager was only 5ft 1in tall and is said to have lived in Walthamstow and Leytonstone since arriving in the UK in March 2002. Police said he had undertaken casual work in the building trade during that time.

If the date of birth given when he asked for asylum is correct he was 19 years old.

Police arrested a 27-year-old man from Walthamstow in connection with the murder on January 8 but have since released him without charge.

Investigator DI Mick Ball added: "This is a tragic case and we clearly have to find out more about the lifestyle of Dritan in Albania and those who knew him as Ardian or Adrian in England.

"We would appeal for anyone who knew him to make contact with the incident room as soon as possible on 01707 354 236."

Albanian Dritan Perdoda, who was found dead in a shallow grave in Hertfordshire on New Year's Day