COPS probing the killing of Sabina Nessa are hunting a man who they believe was trying to hide a red item up his sleeve - as it could be the weapon used in the attack.

       Officers are desperately searching for a man spotted on CCTV following the death of the much-loved primary school teacher, 28.

       5

       Cops say they urgently need to track down this man - and believe the item held in his hands may hold a vital clue into Sabina Nessa's killing 5

       The primary school teacher was attacked and killed in a London park as she walked to a date Credit: AFP

       And in an update this afternoon, detectives say they urgently need to find a "reflective item" the man is clutching in the footage.

       They are keeping an "open mind" about whether it was used during the attack on Sabina.

       Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, chillingly warned that the man "must" be found.

       “I continue to appeal for any witnesses and anyone with information to contact police and share what they know," he said.

       “People in the Kidbrooke area last Friday may recall seeing this man carrying a red reflective object, and possibly trying to conceal it up his sleeve. If so, please call police.

       “Please share the CCTV footage on social media and, especially if you have connections to London or Kent, show the image to family members and friends who may not have seen it.

       "He must be traced."

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       He said his team are "working around the clock" to find who is responsible for the horrific crime.

       Sabina was killed as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke to meet an old pal for a first date on Friday, September 17.

       Her body was found by a dog walker on the evening of the following day covered in leaves.

       She was found just 200 yards from the home she'd lived in since June.

       And while her disappearance wasn't reported to police, friends said they became worried when they hadn't heard from her by the Saturday.

       HORROR IN LONDON

       It was rare for her to stay away without letting someone know, they said.

       However, they believed her date had gone well - while the man she was meeting thought she'd changed her mind, it's understood.

       Last night, hundreds of mourners gathered for a candlelight vigil.

       Her sister, Jebina, broke down in tears as she paid an emotional tribute.

       "We have lost an amazing, caring, beautiful sister, who left this world far too early," she said.

       “Sabina loved her family. It feels like we’re stuck in a bad dream and cannot get out of it."

       DCI John said: “We all saw at yesterday evening’s vigil, the impact that Sabina’s death has had on the community.

       'STUCK IN A BAD DREAM'

       "I would reiterate my plea to those in the local area to think and if you have any information that could help this investigation, then please get in touch.”

       Police arrested a 38-year-old man from Lewisham, South London on suspicion of murder.

       He has been released under investigation.

       Another man in his 40s who was held on suspicion of murder the day after Sabina's body was found was also later released under further investigation.

       Anyone with information on the man in the footage should urgently call the incident room on 020 8721 4266, tweet @MetCC or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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       Sabina, 28, was found buried under a pile of leaves by a dog-walker Credit: Met Police 5

       Two men have already been arrested and bailed following the horror Credit: LNP 5

       Yesterday, hundreds gathered near the scene of the killing to remember the much-loved young woman Credit: PA

       Sabina Nessa vigil: Grieving family and friends gather after teacher, 28, murdered by stranger in park

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