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Fifth arrest in rape killing probe
1 Jul 2009Detectives hunting a killer and serial rapist have arrested a fifth suspect, police said today.
Officers investigating the brutal murder of Michelle Samaraweera questioned a 36-year-old man. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The move came as investigators released an e-fit image of their suspect which they hope could give them a breakthrough.
The body of Miss Samaraweera, 35, was discovered in a small park off Queens Road, Walthamstow, east London, on May 30. She had been strangled and raped.
A black and white image, depicting a clean-shaven Asian man aged between 30 and 45, was seen by millions of people in an appeal on Crimewatch on Monday.
Investigators have already launched a mass voluntary DNA sweep in a bid to identify the attacker and rule out other suspects.
Anyone found who matches the suspect's description during hundreds of house-to-house and street inquiries has been asked to provide a DNA sample.
Officers said the man may also be responsible for two other rapes in the Walthamstow area in March and April.
Detective Superintendent Vic Rae said: "Michelle was callously murdered as she returned to her boyfriend's address and it is essential we trace the man responsible as soon as possible."
The suspect's DNA has also been recovered from the victims of two similar attacks.
The first took place at an address close to Queens Road on March 24 when a 59-year-old woman was forced inside her home and raped.
The second, in which a 46-year-old woman was attacked in an alleyway off Lea Bridge Road, took place in the early hours of April 22.
Police released two CCTV stills of Ms Samaraweera captured at a branch of Somerfield, in Markhouse Road, shortly before her death.
Four other men arrested in connection with the inquiry have since been released with no further action.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
