The man who raped and murdered Michelle Samaraweera in Walthamstow has been linked by DNA to another sex attack (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

The man who raped and murdered Michelle Samaraweera in Walthamstow has been linked by DNA to another sex attack

10:41am Friday 24th July 2009

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THE rapist-murderer on the loose in Walthamstow has been linked to another sexual assault.

The killer, who raped and strangled Michelle Samaraweera on May 30, has already been linked to two other sexual assaults in the Walthamstow area.

DNA has now linked the man to a fourth attack, which happened on April 29 at about 1.30am in the grounds of St Saviour's Church, in Markhouse Road.

A 32-year-old woman was walking towards the same Somerfield store in which Ms Samaraweera was last seen, when the rapist struck.

A passerby who heard her screams called the police.

Officers arrived to find her semi-clothed and in a distressed state.

Investigating officer Det Supt Vic Rae said: "We have now managed to officially link a third sexual assault to the murder of Michelle Samaraweera.

“It is essential that we work with the community to trace the man responsible as soon as possible.

“We need to hear from anyone who has any suspicions.

“Any information, however small, could make a real difference to us."

Ms Samaraweera's body was found partially clothed in a children's playground near Kelmscott Leisure Centre, in Queens Road, near Markhouse Road.

Since then, police have linked the man to a rape of a 59-year-old woman in her own bedroom, in Queens Road, on March 24 and to a rape of a 46-year-old woman in an alleyway near St James Street train station on April 22.

All the assaults have taken place in the same area at about 1am in the morning.

Police are also appealing for witnesses about two further assaults, although these have not been linked at this stage.

On March 19 at 10pm a knife-wielding man grabbed a 16-year-old girl in South Grove, but a group of men intervened and she escaped.

A week later on March 26, at 11.30pm, a 46-year-old was grabbed and assaulted, close to St Saviour's Church.

The murder and assaults have shocked the Walthamstow community, but hundreds marched earlier this month to show their defiance against the killer.

Police have issued an e-fit of the rapist-murderer, who is described as of Asian appearance, or with dark skin, and is aged between 30 and 45 years.

Officers are continuing to gather DNA from men living in the area as part of the biggest investigation of its kind since the murder of Sally-Anne Bowman in south London in 2005.

Anyone with information should call police on 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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