Racism link to south London teenager murder
Police release details of potential suspect in investigation into murder of Nilanthan Murddi
Also In The News
|
Britain have won another gold medal in the Olympic rowing in the men's lightweight double sculls but suffered a minor disappointment in the women's quadruple sculls. |  |
Monday, 18, Aug 2008 05:40
Metropolitan police have today said that racist language was apparently directed towards Nilanthan Murddi before he was stabbed to death in south London on Saturday.
Nilanthan, 17, was murdered in a street brawl involving between six and eight people in Croydon on Saturday.
A post-mortem examination revealed he died from a single knife wound to the neck.
In a statement this afternoon, police said they had received an allegation concerning racist language being directed at Nilanthan and his friends.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Grattan-Kane, who is leading the investigation, said: "We remain dedicated to finding and prosecuting the person responsible for Nilanthan's murder, irrespective of whether the incident is racially motivated or otherwise.
"However, should that prove to be the case it only serves to further highlight the tragedy of this young man's murder."
Police released details this morning of a suspect they are currently looking for. He is described as a white man in this late 20s/early 30s who is approximately 5ft 7in tall and of medium to stocky build.
The suspect is said to have a pale complexion with bags around his eyes, shaved hair and is reported to have been wearing a dark waist-length jacket and jeans at the time of the incident.
Details of the taxi the suspect took 30 minutes after Nilanthan was killed were also released.
The vehicle is said to have been a blue 54/55 registered Ford Mondeo or an older style VW Passat with a TfL sticker in its back window.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Grattan-Kane added: "We have now spoken to several witnesses and built up a good description of the suspect.
"I would urge local people to read it carefully and think about anyone they know who fits the description. Given that the suspect returned approximately 30 minutes after the exchange of words at the traffic lights it is highly likely he lives locally.
"The taxi driver has not come forward yet and it is vitally important we hear from him.
"While appealing directly to the minicab driver, I am also asking for companies to check for any drivers who had fares to the area and who drive a blue car, in particular a Ford Mondeo or a VW Passatt.
"Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4066; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
A 31-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the fatal stabbing but later released on bail to return to a south London police station in September.