Murder could be 'race motivated'

Nilanthan Murddi was stabbed in the throat

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in south London have said the attack may have been racially motivated.

Nilanthan Murddi, 17, was stabbed in the throat during a fight in Sumner Road, Croydon, early on Saturday.

His attacker is described as a white man in his late 20s or early 30s, about 5ft 7in (1.69m) tall with a pale complexion and who could live locally.

Nilanthan is the 23rd teenager to be violently killed in London this year.

Scotland Yard said an allegation had now been made that racist language was directed at the group in the early stages of the incident, which took place at about 0100 BST.

Nilanthan was with a group of friends in Sunbury Road when a taxi pulled up at the traffic lights.

The passenger was arguing with the driver and exchanged words with Nilanthan and his friends before the car drove off.

The suspect did not leave the taxi at this point but returned to the scene about 30 minutes later, when a row broke out.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "The suspect returned a little while later and was again involved in an exchange of words with Nilanthan and his friends, which resulted in the victim being injured."

Given that the suspect returned approximately 30 minutes after the exchange of words at the traffic lights it is highly likely he lives locally Det Ch Insp Tim Grattan-Kane

Nilanthan died three hours later in hospital. Post-mortem tests showed he died from a single knife wound to the neck.

Police also want to trace a taxi driver who was seen with the suspect in his car 30 minutes before the murder.

After speaking to witnesses detectives released a new description of the killer.

He is described as being of medium to stocky build with a pale complexion and bags around his eyes. He had shaved or short cropped hair and was wearing a dark waist length jacket and jeans.

Police have also urged the owner of the taxi, thought to be a 54/55 registered blue Ford Mondeo or VW Passat, to come forward.

The car had a Transport for London sticker in the back to show it was legally registered.

Det Ch Insp Tim Grattan-Kane said: "We have now spoken to several witnesses and built up a good description of the suspect.

"Given that the suspect returned approximately 30 minutes after the exchange of words at the traffic lights it is highly likely he lives locally.

"The taxi driver has not come forward yet and it is vitally important we hear from him."

He appealed to the minicab driver and for companies to check for drivers who had fares in the area at the time.

A 31-year-old man arrested on Saturday morning has been released on bail until next month.