Student's killer 'trawled area'

Police scoured the banks of the Thames

Police believe the killer of French student Amelie Delagrange may have been driving around south-west London before he attacked her.

Detectives said he may have been trawling the streets in a car looking for victims before her murder on Twickenham Green on Thursday night.

Officers think he then drove seven miles to Walton, where her belongings were found dumped in the River Thames.

The 22-year-old was bludgeoned over the head while walking home.

Amelie's last movements

On Wednesday, Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Murphy said: "He could have been lurking around or driving around in the area looking for a victim, spotted Amelie and parked up on the green.

"It's quite possible that a vehicle was used. Certainly if Amelie was murdered around 10pm somebody with access to a vehicle could have driven to Walton within 15 to 20 minutes.

"From the outset CCTV footage has been reviewed from every possible venue, garages, shops and restaurants.

1. Twickenham Green - Amelie's body found 2. Walton Bridge - Contents of handbag found in River Thames

"There are hundreds and hundreds of hours of footage still to be viewed."

Divers are searching the River Thames after house keys, a CD Sony Walkman and a purse belonging to her were found by a bridge in Walton, Surrey.

It is believed police traced the items by tracking the whereabouts of Amelie's mobile phone, although both the phone and her brown and mustard coloured handbag are still missing.

Police are also speaking to a 36-year-old woman who was attacked nine months ago in west London.

Accounts clerk Dawn Brunton suffered severe injuries after being hit from behind, possibly with a sledgehammer.

She was walking to Hatton Cross Tube station, which is six miles from where Miss Delagrange was killed.

Detectives are also considering whether four other attacks on women in the area could also be linked to Thursday's murder.

But police have categorically ruled out any link between the murder of Milly Dowler and the other attacks.

AMELIE'S LAST MOVEMENTS

1. Got on bus after leaving the wine bar 2139 BST
2. Arrived Fulwell Bus Garage 2145 BST
3 & 4. Seen at 2151 BST and 2159 BST
5. Body found 2226 BST

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