Sri Lankan woman murdered in London

Walter JAYAWARDHANA

A Sri Lankan woman, Michelle Samaraweera, 35, was found murdered in a small park and play area in a London Street, the Metropolitan Police of the city said.

Police said: “We continue to appeal for witnesses and information following this murder in Walthamstow.”

The police said when a passer-by called police and an ambulance reached the park, Samaraweera was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were called at 5:50 a.m. on May 30 by a passer-by in a small park and play area in Queens Road E17, close to the junction with Markhouse Road.

The London Ambulance Service attended to the women at the park but she was pronounced dead at the scene. “A post-mortem was held on Sunday and for strong operational reasons we are not discussing the result at present,” the police further said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Goode from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “I know that Michelle was alive shortly after one o’clock on Saturday morning, when she was in the area of Queens Road and Markhouse Road having gone to the Somerfield supermarket.

“I want to hear from anyone who saw Michelle on Friday night or Saturday morning, in particular anyone who may have seen her between 01:00 and 05:50 when she was found.”

At around 9.00 a.m. on May 30 two men, aged 29 and 35 were arrested separately in connection with the inquiry.

They were taken to north and east London police stations and later bailed to return in June and July pending further inquiries. On May 31 two other men aged 32 and 34 were arrested in connection with the inquiry. Both were taken to east London police stations where they remain in custody.