Jogger attacker was 'on prowl'

Forensic teams are examining the scene at Clissold Park

A man who stabbed a female jogger in a north London park had been on the prowl for his victim, police say.

The 39-year-old was stabbed several times in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, on Friday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford said there was only a 0.0004% chance the same man did not murder Margaret Muller on 3 February.

The American artist was stabbed in nearby Victoria Park, in Tower Hamlets, east London.

The latest victim is now recovering in hospital, where she is under police guard, after undergoing emergency surgery to stop the bleeding from a severed artery.

We never like to be alarmist but we have got to face facts that this man could strike again Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Shatford

Police have praised the action of a female doctor in Clissold Park at the time of the attack who they say prevented another murder.

She treated the woman who collapsed in front of her after escaping the attacker.

Ms Muller, 27, was stabbed 49 times in Victoria Park, which is less than two miles away from Clissold Park.

Both women were small, had dark hair and were jogging in similar parks. There was no indication of intended robbery or sexual assault in either case.

Mr Shatford said: "There is a good chance this person was loitering, stalking, prowling and looking for his victim.

Exact spot

"We never like to be alarmist but we have got to face facts that this man could strike again.

"This person is doing this for their own gratification. They are likely to be local to the area, with low self-esteem and someone who knows the park."

Officers have been able to identify the exact spot where the attacker struck after showing the victim a video of the park.

The park will remain closed for the rest of the week while the investigation continues and divers are dredging the lake in search of the weapon.

Women jogging in the area are being warned to go with a friend and to report anything suspicious to the police.

The attacker is white, in his early 20s or possibly a little younger, and wearing a hooded top.

Five people were arrested by police investigating Ms Muller's murder, but later released.