Park service for murdered jogger

A tree-planting ceremony will be held in honour of Margaret Muller

A memorial service is to be held in the park where jogger Margaret Muller was murdered a year ago.

The 27-year-old artist was stabbed 49 times in Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets, east London, on 3 February, by an attacker yet to be found.

Police will return to the park to take part in the service, which will commemorate her life and achievements.

They will also distribute anniversary leaflets and posters appealing for further information.

There is every chance that the individual responsible for this attack has made some form of confession to someone in authority Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford

Reverend Elaine Jones of St Mary of Eton Church in Hackney Wick will conduct the service, which will be held at the scene of the stabbing, and members of the American artist's family who live in the UK will attend.

There will be a minute's silence at 0830 GMT - the moment Ms Muller was attacked.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "A year after Margaret was brutally attacked in Victoria Park we are still working relentlessly to catch the person responsible for her murder.

"Despite extensive inquiries to trace everyone who was present in the park on the day of the murder we are aware that there are still several individuals who are yet to come forward.

"We continue to appeal for their assistance and ask them to contact us."

'Vital clues'

Tower Hamlets Council plans to rename the park's running pavilion community room in tribute to Ms Muller.

There will also be a tree-planting ceremony by park wardens and BBC Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh in her honour.

Mr Walsh, who lives in the area, had been jogging in the park with his wife on the morning of the attack and has helped officers with the investigation.

The Metropolitan Police have carried out a high profile hunt for the 27-year-old's killer, including the force's largest ever reconstruction which involved more than 100 witnesses.

Det Chief Supt Shatford said: "There is every chance that the individual responsible for this attack has made some form of confession to someone in authority."

Reward offered

He urged "anyone in the education, health or probation sectors" to look back at their records and to let police know of "any suspicions they may have".

Police believe that someone who called Crimestoppers three months ago with the name of a suspect may have "vital clues" in the investigation.

Mr Shatford said: "This caller may hold vital clues which could assist and possibly help us solve this investigation."

He added: "Due to the huge amount of information gathered so far this investigation still has many more lines of inquiry to pursue and many more witnesses to trace.

"A dedicated team of officers remain committed to the case and their numbers have been boosted by extra staff to ensure that no stone is left unturned."

A reward of £15,000 is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the attack.