This is south Essex student Talaal Omer, who police fear may have been the victim of racist killers.

His body was pulled from the Regent's Canal in east London and although a postmortem revealed he died from drowning, detectives are treating his death as suspicious.

The picture was released by Scotland Yard today in the hope that someone may recall his movements in the last hours before his death at Mile End Lock on Thursday, October 4.

Officers believe he may have been robbed as his hold-all was found near his body alongside the canal.

The English and drama student, of Fore Street, Basildon, was formally identified on Monday by his parents who flew to Britain from the Middle East.

Det Insp Mick Reddy, said: "Mr Omer had been drinking in the New Globe and Fountain pubs near Mile End Lock on the night before his death.

"We are still trying to piece together his movements from 11pm onwards. We don't believe he was in the water for more than a few hours before he was found.

"We would appeal for anyone who has any information to get in touch with police."

An inquest is due to be held at Poplar later this week.

Anyone with information should call 020 7275 4545 or Crimestoppers