Police offer £20,000 bounty in hunt for killer rapist
A £20,000 reward was offered today to catch a killer and serial rapist preying on women in east London.
Police want to find the man responsible for the murder of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, in Walthamstow.
Her killer is being linked by DNA to three other rapes in the area. Her body was found in a small park and play area off Queen's Road, near the junction with Markhouse Road, on May 30 last year. She had been strangled and raped.
The three other sex attacks took place last year between March 24 and April 29. Detectives believe the same person could also have been responsible for more assaults on women.
Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Hill, leading the inquiry, said: "We are offering this large reward in a bid to trace the man responsible for Michelle's callous murder and the linked assaults.
"Someone will have information about these attacks and be able to help us remove a very dangerous man from the streets." Last month police released images of a prime suspect who entered a Somerfield store in Markhouse Road moments after Ms Samaraweera on May 30 last year.
The suspect aged between 30 and 45 has dark skin and dark hair. Anyone with information can call the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
