Detectives investigating the murder of Marsha McDonnell are appealing for witnesses to another incident which happened an hour before the gap year student was killed.

An 18-year-old woman was followed by a Man in West Molesey on February 3 about 11pm by a man an hour before Miss McDonnell was murdered.

The teenager traveled on the 411 bus route and she got off the bus in Walton Road, West Molesey near the junction with Faraday Road, at around 11.15pm. As she walked towards Rosemary Avenue she saw a male standing in Walton Road. The male then followed her and fearing for her safety she changed direction and walked into Faraday Road.

At one stage the male began running behind her, however she escaped.

The male is described as white, possibly Mediterranean appearance, and between 5'10" and 6" tall. He had dark wavy hair, long enough to be tucked behind the ears. He was unshaven with stubble and appeared scruffy. He was wearing a green 'Parka' type jacket with hood.

The incident happened on the same night the Michael Jackson interview was screened, Scotland Yard said.

19-year-old Marsha was bludgeoned to death as she walked home on February 3. A 16-year-old youth has since been charged in connection with her murder.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who was traveling on the 411 bus that evening or to anyone who was in the Walton Road area and may have witnessed the event or seen the male loitering to contact them on 0208 358 0100 (Crimestoppers 0800555111).

We are also interested in speaking to any other persons who may have information about similar events or have seen a male of similar description in the area at other times.

April 28, 2003 16:30