Teenager may have been stabbed by drunken racist

Police are investigating a possible racist motive for the murder of a teenager who was stabbed in the throat at the weekend.

Nilanthan Murddi, 17, known as Niloo to his friends and from the Sri Lankan Tamil community, was killed in the early hours of Saturday in Croydon, south London. Police are still trying to trace a white man who is believed to have exchanged words with Nilanthan's group while waiting in a licensed minicab at traffic lights at about 1am.

Police said the man, who was also arguing with the mincab driver, returned about 30 minutes later and a fight broke out in which Nilanthan was attacked. He later died from a single knife wound to his neck. Detective Chief Inspector Tim Grattan-Kane said: "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."

Police said they had received an allegation concerning racist language used against Nilanthan and his friends.

According to one report, a drunk, white man was heard shouting "You fucking Paki" from a minicab before returning and appearing to punch Nilanthan.

Police said they were still trying to trace the driver of the cab, believed to be either a Ford Mondeo or VW Passat. The passenger, a white man in his 20s or early 30s and around 5ft 7in, was wearing a dark waistlength jacket and jeans.

A 31-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the murder has been bailed to return in September.

Grattan-Kane said: "We have now spoken to several witnesses and built up a good description of the suspect. Given that the suspect returned approximately 30 minutes after the exchange of words at the traffic lights it is highly likely he lives locally. The taxi driver has not come forward yet and it is vitally important we hear from him."