The murder weapon used to kill a Croydon man in broad daylight has been found as his relatives put out an emotional appeal for witnesses.

Police have revealed a 15cm cook's knife was spotted by a woman just yards from the spot where Remi Surage, 56, was murdered in Orpington High Street on Tuesday, September 29, around 2.25pm.

The knife, found three days later, just 200 yards from the spot where Mr Surage was stabbed to death, is now being tested by forensic experts at Scotland Yard.

Det Chief Insp Brian Bowden-Brown said: "It was a sheer stroke of luck this woman spotted the knife in some bushes. She knew about the murder, put two and two together and called us."

The 56-year-old victim's relatives have made a heartrending appeal for witnesses for their uncle. Nephew Wayne, 28, said: "Uncle Remi was a quiet and friendly man and it has devastated our family that his life has been taken so tragically.

"Knowing uncle as we did, it's hard to believe he would have provoked an attack.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward so we can lay our uncle to rest and let our family grieve in peace."

Mr Bowden-Brown said he has not ruled out a racial motive for the brutal attack.

Mr Surage, who suffered a stroke two years ago and walked with a stoop, is believed to have spoken about his attacker to a man who tended him outside the village hall, where an antiques market and a weight watchers class was being held that afternoon.

Mr Bowden-Brown continued "One or two men were also seen sitting on a bench outside the village hall. I need them to come forward so I can eliminate them from enquiries."

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 0181 853 1212.

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