Police have released new images as they investigate the brutal murder of a teen who was chased through a park and stabbed to death in Penge.

Michael Jonas was 17 when up to six males set on him in Betts Park on the evening of November 2, 2017.

He was stabbed a number of times and left to die alone in the park.

This Is Local London: New images have been released by policeNew images have been released by police

When police arrived following a call just after 7.20pm, they found Michael suffering multiple stab wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene just after 8.15pm.

Michael is described as a "much-loved young man" and although his family say "nothing will ever heal the pain of losing him", knowing his killers are off the streets will bring them closure.

A post-mortem the following day at the Princess Royal University Hospital confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest and haemorrhage.

A murder investgation was launched immediately and continues.

Officers from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have released a fresh image of someone they want to speak to.

CCTV stills show a man wearing a backpack heading away from the park close to the time of the murder.

Officers are keen to identify him and stress they are treating him as a witnesses at this stage.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney said he is confident that plenty of people will have been in the park at this time evening - and wants any information "no matter how small or insignificant".

DC Penney said: “Michael was a much-loved young man with his whole life ahead of him before he was cruelly taken in such a violent way.

"His family and friends miss him every day and we are determined to bring them some sort of closure by catching those responsible for his death.

“Our investigation continues, and we are keen to speak to witnesses or anyone with any information that could lead us to Michael’s killers.

"In particular, we are keen to identify the man in this CCTV image seen jogging away from the park at the time of the murder. We believe this person could be a key witness to the attack and would urge them to contact us.

“We would also like to speak to anyone else in the park at that time.

"At this time in the evening, I am confident plenty of people would’ve been around. Were you there? Did you see or hear anything?

"Any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, could be a missing part of the puzzle and we would really like to hear from you. You can do this via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

"Please be assured that the information you give us will be treated with the utmost confidence.

“It’s been more than four years since Michael was murdered.

"His family are still heartbroken. If you know something, please do the right thing and get in touch.”

Michael's father, Michael Jonas Snr, said: "We have lost our son. Michael’s murder – which happened for no apparent reason - left us shattered and it shook the community of Penge. He did not deserve this.

“We think about Michael every single day and we will not stop until we get justice for him.

"His killers are still out there and we need your help to find them.

"We are asking – pleading – with you to come forward if you know anything that could help police catch these violent people.

"For as long as they are still roaming the streets, they are a danger to others.

"Next time, it could be your family member or friend. How would you feel? We must not allow this to happen again.

“I understand it can be difficult for some members of the community to talk to police. I would ask them to please, please put any differences aside and work with police to get people like these off the streets and out of our community.

“Please pass on any crucial information to police.

"You can even do it anonymously through Crimestoppers.

"You will never be seen to be a ‘snitch’ – please, please give us a helping hand so we can get justice for Michael.

"Nothing will ever heal the pain of losing him, but knowing his killers are off the streets will bring us some closure.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Detectives investigating the brutal murder of a teenager, who was chased through a park and stabbed to death by a group of males five years ago, have released new images as they continue to appeal for witnesses.

"Michael Jonas was just 17-years-old when he was set upon by up to six males in Betts Park, Penge, on the evening of Thursday, 2 November 2017, and ruthlessly attacked.

"He was stabbed a number of times and left to die alone in the park.

"Emergency services were called shortly after 19:20hrs to reports of a male having been attacked. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Michael suffering multiple stab wounds.

"Officers gave first aid, but despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene just after 20:15hrs.

"A post-mortem examination the following day at the Princess Royal University Hospital confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest and haemorrhage.

"A murder investigation was launched immediately by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

"The investigation into Michael’s killing continues and officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have released a fresh image of someone they would like to speak to.

"CCTV stills show a man wearing a backpack heading away from the park close to the time of the murder.

"Officers are keen to identify him and stress they are treating him as a witnesses at this stage."

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