Police investigating the murder of a Norbury man think they have traced the getaway car used by the killers.

The Suzuki, dumped and set alight in Surbiton, is believed to be the vehicle used by the killers of 36-year-old Sellathurai Balasingham, bludgeoned to death just after 11.10pm on November 6.

The Sri-Lankan victim had parked his car and was walking between Kent Close and Huntingdon Close, on the Norbury/Mitcham border, when he was attacked by at least three men.

Police believe the suspects were fellow Tamils who lay in wait for their victim, chasing him and hitting him over the head with a blunt instrument.

The suspects are thought to have driven from the scene in the white, two-door Suzuki Swift vehicle,

registration J235 UAV, abandoning and torching it 24 hours later.

The car has a distinctive three-colour stripe along the passenger side bonnet.

DI Reg Field, heading the investigation, said: "The injuries the victim suffered indicate that those responsible meant to inflict really serious harm or to kill him.

"However, it is possible that not all the individuals involved agreed the level of violence used on the night and certainly did not go along with the assault knowing Mr Balasingham was going to be killed.

"If this is the case, those individuals should contact police immediately; it is to your advantage to come forward now. The police will do anything to protect individuals who offer important information".

Anyone with information should contact the Incident Room on 020 8247 4567 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

December 6, 2001 11:30