DETECTIVES say two “very significant” leads into Stephen Lawrence’s murder have emerged following a fresh appeal 20 years on from the racist attack.

In the wake of the 20th anniversary of the Eltham killing, a BBC Crimewatch programme took viewers back through the night’s events.

The black 18-year-old was stabbed to death by a group of up to six white youths in an unprovoked racist attack as he waited at a bus stop in Well Hall Road with a friend on April 22 1993.

Officers say they are now chasing up a number of phone calls including a potential eye witness following the programme’s airing last night (Apr 29).

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll said: "It's very encouraging. We have had many phone calls tonight but two in particular are, I would say, very significant.

"One could produce a potential eye witnesses to the attack, and one gives very good background information about suspects already known.”

In January 2012 Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty of being involved in the attack and sentenced to life imprisonment, but the case remains open and police believe there are a number of witnesses who have never come forward.

They include:

• Two men who got off a bus at the stop opposite where Stephen was attacked and walked southbound along the east side of Well Hall Road

• A man who ran from the area of Well Hall Road roundabout to the bus stop on the same side of Well Hall Road as the attack (west side)

• A man who was walking on the east side of Well Hall south of the roundabout (opposite The Coronet Cinema) towards the scene of the attack; and who was wearing a very distinctive green jacket with a large V on the back.

• Anyone else in the general vicinity; such as those outside The Coronet Cinema and on passing buses.

Police also released an image of the possible witness' green jacket which triggered further calls.

DCI Driscoll said: "In addition to that we have also had three phone calls about the green jumper or jacket and we will certainly be making enquiries around those bits of information to verify them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8310 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.