THREE more men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 29-year-old man who was found on a petrol station forecourt.

The three, aged 21, 23 and 20, were arrested this morning on suspicion of the murder of Thomas Cudjoe and are being questioned at east London police stations.

The 29-year-old, of Ilford, was found in the early hours of Saturday morning with stab wounds to the chest and legs on the forecourt of the Shell garage next to The Bell pub in Ley Street, Ilford.

Emergency services arrived at around 3.15am but Mr Cudjoe was pronounced dead at the scene.

As well as the latest arrests, two men, aged 22 and 24, were held on November 6 on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to the stabbing and are keen to trace anyone who may have seen a blue Ford Focus with the registration EJ57 OED in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin said: "I am keen to hear from anyone who saw a blue Ford Focus in the Ilford area on Friday, 2 November, or in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"I also wish to speak with anyone who had been in The Bell pub that evening as well as anyone who saw the altercation at the Shell petrol station."

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.