POLICE have not ruled out a link between a recent attempted assault and the murder of Michelle Samaweera in the same Walthamstow street last year.

Officers are appealing for help after a 34-year-old woman was grabbed by a slim man of Asian or Turkish appearance as she walked along Markhouse Road at around 2am on Sunday October 10.

The victim, who was on her way home after visiting a restaurant in Leyton, had both her arms held by the man, but managed to struggle free and push her attacker away.

He is believed to have run off towards Lea Bridge Road.

A group of women who saw the distressed female and walked her home have since spoken to the police, but officers are keen to speak to a black cab driver who offered to take the upset woman home, as he may have vital information.

It happened close to the scene where the body of 35-year-old Michelle Samaraweera was found in a children's playground on May 30 last year.

She had been raped and strangled.

DNA tests subsequently linked her killer with at least three other sex attacks in the area.

The original detectives from Michelle Samaweera’s murder probe have been given information of October’s attack. They are not formerly investigating a link, but have not ruled one out either.

The suspect in this case is described as being of Turkish or Asian origin, with brown eyes, 5ft 11in and of slim build.

Police have not given a reason for the delay in making the incident public, and have been unable to confirm whether or not the incident was reported to them immediately by the victim.

Detective Inspector Craig Bradley, who is investigating the case, said: "We are keen to trace anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the Markhouse Road area on Saturday 9 October or the early hours of Sunday 10 October."

Anyone with information on either case should contact Waltham Forest police on 020 8721 5042 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.