Attack survivor sends sympathies

Amelie Delagrange was killed on Thursday

A woman who was attacked close to where a French student was murdered has sent her sympathies to the victim's family.

Edel Harbison suffered a head injury while walking near Twickenham Green, south-west London, last April.

Amelie Delagrange, 22, died after being found with serious head injuries on Twickenham Green on Thursday night.

Ms Harbison, 34, said: "It has been four months since I was attacked and this incident has brought back to me how fortunate I was to have survived.

"I wish to express my deepest sympathy with the parents and family of Amelia Delagrange after her tragic murder last week in Twickenham.

"Although I am still suffering as a result of my injuries I was getting to the stage where I could start to think and talk about everyday activities and not just the assault.

RECENT ATTACKS IN THE AREA 1: 8 January 2003, 17-year-old girl attacked 2: 4 February 2003, Marsha McDonnell, 19, killed 3: 18 April 2004, 34-year-old woman attacked 4: 19 August 2004, Amelie Delagrange, 22, killed

"This has been and now continues to be a very distressing time for both my family and myself."

She then urged anyone with information about the attacks to contact police.

Ms Harbison has no recollection of the evening in which she sustained a serious head injury after leaving a restaurant in Staines Road.

Detectives said Amelie's killer may be a local man, aged 15-30, with knowledge of the area.

Crime profilers are considering whether the murder is linked to three similar attacks on women in the area.

Marsha McDonnell, 19, was bludgeoned to death three miles away from the scene in February 2003.

A 17-year-old girl was also left with serious head injuries after an attack in Twickenham in January 2003.

Det Ch Supt Andy Murphy said a possible link between the attacks was a major line of inquiry.

Police have issued advice to women following last week's murder.

They say:

• If walking alone use well lit busy places, be aware of your surroundings.

• If approached by a male keep your distance, be confident, stay in the open.

• If you are approached and feel uneasy do not converse. Shout No!, Fire!, Police! Leave me alone! Run, move away.

• Move towards other people do not hesitate to ask for help.