Possible racial motive for stab death

5:28pm Monday 18th August 2008

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POLICE are investigating a possible racial motive for the fatal stabbing of a former Bromley student.

A post-mortem examination showed the cause of 17-year-old Nilanthan Murddi's death in the early hours of Saturday morning was a single knife wound to the neck.

His family have been paying tribute to Nilanthan, who was a pupil in the mixed sixth form at Langley Park School for Girls, Hawksbrook Lane, Beckenham until last December.

His 18-year-old sister Santhiya said: "He was outgoing, bubbly and energetic and always willing to do things for other people. We were very close.

"He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

And his aunt, 47-year-old Usha Muralitharan, said: "He was always the one up for a laugh and so helpful. He had no jealousies or bad characteristics.

"It is a mystery to us why he was there. We only know the way he behaved with us."

Nilanthan had been with many of his relatives at a birthday party on August 6.

One of his cousins, 20-year-old Ramya Muraliidaran, said: "All of the cousins were there together.

"We posed for a photograph and it is the last one which was taken of him.

"We are with the police in urging any more witnesses to come forward."

A tribute page to Nilanthan has been set up on the internet.

And a post by Krish Shainthan Kulendran in the St Olaves Grammar School (Orpington) network said: "A loving and caring friend thats was unbelievably sociable.

"Mate, i remember the days you used to come round and produce banter all night while chilling and playing about.

"You will be sorely missed boy."

Police investigation

Nilanthan was stabbed at the junction of Sumner Road and London Road in Croydon in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 16).

Police believe Nilanthan's attacker, who is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s, had passed him and his friends moments before in a taxi before walking back towards them.

Police are investigating an allegation that racist language was directed at Nilanthan and his friends.

An argument followed before the man stabbed Nilanthan, who lived in New Addington, Croydon.

Police were called to the scene at around 1.35am and Nilanthan was taken to Mayday Hospital, Croydon, where he was pronounced dead at 4.30am.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

And they want to trace a minicab driver who dropped off a man moments before the attack.

He is believed to have been driving a blue Ford Mondeo.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Tim Grattan-Kane said: "We really need to trace the driver of the cab."

He added: "Also anyone who saw a disturbance in Sumner Road is asked to please contact police.

"It is not known at this time what the argument was about but anyone with information about the incident should call us.

"We remain dedicated to finding and prosecuting the person responsible for Nilanthan's murder, irrespective of whether the incident is racially motivated or otherwise.

"However, should that prove to be the case it only serves to further highlight the tragedy of this young man's murder."

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 020 8721 4066 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

• A 31-year-old man was arrested was arrested in connection with the incident on Saturday morning. He has been bailed to return to a police station next month (September).

• Did you know Nilanthan Murddi? Call the newsroom on 01689 885711 with your tributes or leave your comments below.