Man held over park rape killing

Miss Samaraweera's body was found on 30 May

A man has been arrested in connection with an inquiry into the rape and murder of a woman in east London.

The partially-clothed body of Michelle Samaraweera, 35, of Walthamstow, was found by a passer-by in Queens Road Park in the early hours of 30 May.

An e-fit image of the attacker, who is thought to be responsible for two other rapes, has been also released.

The 36-year-old, who is the fifth man to be arrested over the rape and murder, has been released on bail.

Four other men, who were previously arrested, have all been bailed with no further action.

DNA sweep

Since the murder, officers have conducted a mass voluntary DNA sweep in the area and conducted door-to-door inquiries.

The suspect has been described as being of Asian appearance, with dark skin and aged between 30 and 45.

Ms Samaraweera's murder has been linked via DNA to two other assaults in the area.

In the first of the two linked attacks, a 59-year-old woman was raped at her home on 24 March by a man who forced his way into the property.

In the second attack, which happened in the South Grove area on 22 April, a 46-year-old woman was forced into an alleyway near Lea Bridge Road and raped.