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 yesterday (Wednesday) 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."

An inquest is due to be held later this week.

Anyone with information should call 0207 2754545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

Victim - student Talaal Omer

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