DETECTIVES have raised the stakes in a murder investigation by offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Pictures of the knife used in the murder of Patrick Garber, 21, who died of a stab wound to the stomach, have also been released.

Mr Garber was stabbed in Elderton Road, Sydenham, with a six-inch Ikea kitchen knife at around 7.15pm, on March 19.

Bleeding profusely, he walked to Dallas Chicken, in Sydenham Road, where he collapsed in front of staff.

Mr Garber, also know as TQ, of Farley Road, Catford, was taken by ambulance to Lewisham Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The blade of the knife was found near where he died and the handle was found outside flats in Elderton Road. It is currently being examined with police awaiting forensic results.

A post mortem examination was held at Ladywell Mortuary and gave cause of death as a single stab wound, which punctured a vein in the abdomen area.

Leading the investigation Detective Chief Inspector Jill Bailey said: "I'd like to appeal to anyone who has seen or lost a knife like the one photographed or anyone who was travelling through the area at the time who might have seen something to contact me."

A 34-year-old woman and two men aged 24 and 47, all from the Sydenham area were arrested, on March 20, and a 19-year-old man, from Peckham, was arrested on April 6.

The 24-year-old was released without charge. The 34 and 47-year-olds have been bailed and the 19-year-old has been bailed to return on July 1.

Police are appealing for information. Call Lewisham incident room on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.