Scotland Yard is appealing for help from the Tamil community to combat a new breed of violence that has already claimed one life in Merton.

Merton is one of a handful of London boroughs affected by the terror, which police believe could stem from long-standing vendettas originating in communities in Sri Lanka.

They say there are many motives behind the "tit for tat" violence but they are unlikely to be political. Although the attacks are carried out by a small minority of individuals, police fear problems could intensify if a gang culture develops.

Merton's Tamil community has already seen one murder. Sellathurai Balasingham, 36, was bludgeoned to death on the Pollards Hill Estate in November. Six men were arrested in connection with the incident. No further action was taken against four and two were bailed to return to police pending further enquiries.

Officers are now appealing for help from within Tamil groups to stamp out violence.

Commander Richard Bryan, who heads a police division in north-west London, described the problem as "very complex" and "not an easy issue to address".

He stressed the Tamil community lived their lives peacefully and only a small number were involved in violence.

Merton's deputy borough commander, Superintendent Stephen Grainger, said officers had been building contacts with Tamil groups.

Boroughs across the capital plan to join up in a bid to collate information and encourage people to report incidents.

A spokesman for the South London Tamil Welfare Group said the charity was very worried.

He added: "We are all very educated and decent people. We are very much concerned about this because it is damaging the image of the Tamil community."

June 2, 2002 11:00