Abdelsalam Hassan Abdelsalam. Pic: Met Police

The Metropolitan Police have launched a new appeal for information about the murder of a human rights lawyer three years ago in Lewisham.

A reward of up to £20,000 is available for assistance that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the death of Abdelsalam Hassan Abdelsalam.

The 56-year-old’s body was found in the entrance of his Boone Street residence by a neighbour on the morning of March 13, 2010. A postmortem examination later found that he died from blood loss as a result of a stab wound to his leg.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn said: “We have always believed the answer to this crime lies within the local community and someone out there has information that could greatly assist our enquiries. Please come forward.”

Before his death, Abdelsalam worked as an advisor for human rights organisation Redress, specialising in Sudan, his home country. Lutz Oette, a former colleague at the group, told Eastlondonlines: “The anniversary of Abdelsalam’s murder brings back extremely painful memories. Those of us who knew him well are still deeply hurt by his loss. It is difficult to live with the uncertainty of not having the case solved three years on, knowing that the person responsible for his murder is still out there. We welcome the renewed appeal and reward offered .”

As the Guardian reported at the time of the crime, Abdelsalam was a vulnerable target. He was visited on a weekly basis by home help to assist with a leg injury and used two sticks to walk.

Four men were arrested in relation to the murder but released without charge.