Park killer may have struck again

Police have warned park users in the area to be careful

A man who stabbed a jogger to death as she ran through a north London park may have struck again, police believe.

A 39-year-old woman was stabbed several times as she ran through Clissold Park, in Stoke Newington, on Friday.

Detectives said there were "striking" similarities between that attack and the murder of US artist Margaret Muller earlier this year, in a park nearby.

The latest victim managed to fight the man off, but collapsed minutes later. She is now "satisfactory" in hospital.

The attack was totally motiveless and there is no indication of robbery or sexual assault Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford said: "Both victims are small in stature and the environmental features of the park are similar.

"The attack was totally motiveless and there is no indication of robbery or sexual assault as the cause."

He added: "I will work on the assumption the person who killed Margaret is also responsible for this attack until we can prove otherwise."

Police, who have not found the knife, have sealed off the entire park for a thorough search.

Passing doctor

The woman has not been named but is described as a local woman who jogs in the park regularly.

The attacker, who struck at 1715 GMT on Friday, is described as "probably white" and wearing a hooded top or jacket.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings, let someone know where you're going, keep in the company of other people and report anything suspicious to police Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford

The victim was stabbed several times in the torso before she got away after a brief struggle.

Her attacker ran off, but she collapsed a short distance away with "serious injuries".

Police said she only survived because she was found by a passing doctor, who gave her first aid.

Officers have not yet spoken to the victim, but were hoping to question her on Saturday night.

Mr Shatford warned people to be alert in parks in the area, and not go off alone.

'State of agitation'

He also said he was keen to speak to anyone who may have encountered the stabber, especially "anyone approached by someone they thought was a bit strange or tried to engage them in conversation".

He added: "If there are any girlfriends, mothers, wives or friends that notice a change in behaviour in any partner or acquaintance of theirs that returned last night, possibly in a state of agitation or their mood has changed, we need to be informed."

Ms Muller, 27, died on 3 February after being stabbed several times in the back in Victoria Park, Hackney - less than two miles away from Clissold Park.

Five people were arrested by police investigating the murder but they were later released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shoreditch police 020 7275 3404 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.