Blunkett makes Hannah appeal

The Home Secretary was in the Punjab during an official visit

Home Secretary David Blunkett has appealed for help from the inhabitants of the Indian state of Punjab to find the prime suspect in the murder of student Hannah Foster.

Maninder Pal Singh Kohli fled to India on 18 March last year, two days after Hannah's body was found dumped by the side of a road in Southampton.

Mr Blunkett was speaking at an invocation ceremony for police officers in the Punjab, during a six day official visit to India.

He called on the people of the Punjab to help their police force tackle this "most heinous of crimes".

There is a five million rupee reward - about £70,000 - for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mr Kohli.

Maninder Kholi left his wife and two young children in Southampton

"I appeal to the men and women of the Punjab to assist their police service in achieving his capture - not only in the interests of justice but because he is wanted for questioning for the most heinous of crimes," said Mr Blunkett during a ceremony at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police Academy in Punjab.

"The tragic murder of young Hannah Foster shows why it is so important we continue to forge even closer policing links.

"Hampshire police have been working closely with their colleagues in the Punjab to track down and arrest this man.

"Only through continued and even closer co-operation and joint working can we catch those who believe they can flee UK justice by crossing an international border."