Tracing cars could be key to solving murder of teenager Matthew Kitandwe in Battersea

Matthew Kitandwe, 18, was stabbed to death in the communal stairwell of a block of flats in Wayford Street on Tuesday, June 21, just yards from his home.

Police have released new evidence they believe could be key to the inquiry.

Matthew was stabbed in the stairwell in a Wayford Street block of flats

A black hatchback was seen driving past the junction of Cabul Road and Wayford Street four times before the murder, and one member of a group of youths that had been standing outside the block got into the car.

A “small, light-coloured vehicle” was also seen parked directly outside the block of flats in which Matthew was killed, with the group of youths standing around it.

Detective chief inspector Sam Price, who is leading the investigation, said police were still no closer in finding out why anyone would want to murder Matthew, a promising young footballer who had recently signed for Colliers Wood United FC.

DCI Price said: "I am extremely keen to speak to anyone who can give us any information about these new sightings by witnesses of the two vehicles, or the group of young men, seen by the scene of the crime around the same time as Matthew was killed.”

A young Matthew with his mother, Rose

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 23 and bailed, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on June 26 and bailed to return to a police station in July.

Matthew’s mother, Rose, said her son was her best friend and her home felt empty without him.

She said: “You were much loved by everyone and have left a very big gap to fill. Please, please could anyone with any information contact the police, as we don’t want any other family to go through this.”

Flowers laid out near where Matthew was killed

Matthew’s uncle, James Kavuna, said his nephew was funny and mischievous, and still had the same group of friends from nursery through to college, all of whom were devastated by the loss.

He said: “He is so greatly missed."

A reward of £10,000 is being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Matthew's murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 5054 or police via 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous and qualify for the reward.