In Brixton, south London, a man's body is found in the bushesof a park. He is identified as 44-year-old MauricioNascimento, who was homeless at the time of his murder.According to the pathologist, it is the most vicious attack hehas ever seen – Mauricio has been kicked and stamped todeath.Detectives from the Met's murder investigation team mustfind his attacker. The murder took place in an area used byrough sleepers and not covered by CCTV, usually a vital toolin police investigations. The team must rely on forensicevidence and hope there are witnesses to the crime. However,questioning of the rough sleepers who use the park producescontradictory stories and rumours but no firm leads.Two daysafter the murder, detectives discover what they believe couldbe a breakthrough. An analysis of Mauricio's financial recordsreveals his bank card was used after he was murdered.Detectives identify the man who used the card and arrest him,believing he may have killed Mauricio to steal the card.However, under questioning, the man says he was a friend ofMauricio's and had nothing to do with the murder. As furtherevidence confirms the man's story, he is released, leavingdetectives with few leads while an extremely violent killerremains free.In Hounslow, north west London, a woman goes topolice saying she was raped in the early hours of that day. Shetells them that after a night out drinking with friends, shebecame unwell outside the house she was staying in. A manoffered to help her, but she blacked out. When she came to,she was inside his house, and he was raping her. With detailsprovided by the woman, the police identify the man, and he isarrested. Under questioning, he denies raping her and claimsit was she who forced herself on him. Police now have 24 hoursto either find enough evidence to charge or release him.
