CCTV footage showing a killer running shirtless through the streets of Eltham with a knife in his hand after he had fatally stabbed a Frenchman has been released by Met Police.

Nicholas Foy, of Greenvale Road in Eltham, was jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years at the Old Bailey today (February 15) after being found guilty of murder.

Cameras caught the 39-year-old murderer sprinting through Eltham after he had taken a "deadly cocktail" of cocaine and alcohol.

Foy attacked French national Laurent Volpe as he was walking along Well Hall Parade in Eltham on August 11 last year.

Mr Volpe, 49, was in London visiting family and was on his way back from grocery shopping when he was fatally stabbed.

Police were called at around 7pm and Mr Volpe was rushed to Kings College Hospital, where he died three days later due to the single large stab wound in his abdomen.

Foy was arrested shortly after the stabbing, having threatened three other people with a large knife.

Foy, who admitted he had been on a cocaine and alcohol binge, assaulted a police officer and had to be tasered.

As he was taken to hospital, Foy assaulted another officer.

Susanne Alavi, senior crown prosecutor in the homicide unit at CPS London North, said: “Laurent Volpe was on his way back to see his family when he was attacked for no reason other than walking passed Foy at that given moment. It could have been anyone who had the misfortune of being there at that time.

“During his trial, Foy simply blamed his behaviour on the sheer amount of drink and drugs he had consumed.

"He conceded that when he combined alcohol and drugs he could not control his violent and aggressive temper – but yet he willingly chose to take this deadly cocktail before stabbing Mr Volpe to death. This was a cynical and callous way of absolving himself of responsibility.

“I would like to thank the many witnesses including Mr Volpe’s family members who came forward and gave evidence in court for this prosecution.

“I hope this sentence provides some comfort for the family and friends of Mr Volpe.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was holidaying in London.

"Although Foy admitted having been on a drug binge in the hours leading up to the murder, this in no way excuses his actions that evening. Today, he begins a lengthy prison sentence for a senseless killing."