DETECTIVES believe a man they wish to interview in connection with the murder of a teenager may be in hiding in Kent. Metropolitan Police officers have blitzed the Isle of Sheppey with posters, leaflets and beermats in an attempt to find suspect Mark Parker.

Det Ch Insp Jill Bailey, from the Met's specialist crime directorate based at Lewisham, wants to speak to Parker in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Steven Carrigan-Cole.

She is warning people not to attempt to approach Parker but to contact her if they know, or suspect they know, where he is.

Parker,from the Lewisham area, is white, 5ft 7in tall with blue eyes and cropped light brown hair. He has a pierced left ear and a scar on the underside of his right forearm. He also has a small scar on one of the knuckles of his right hand.

Steven, also from Lewisham, was found with stab wounds in the early hours of July 17 in an alleyway off Lewisham High Street. He died shortly afterwards at Lewisham Hospital.

He had been stabbed with a two-pronged carving fork.

DCI Bailey said: "Someone is providing shelter to Mark Parker. Someone knows where he is. I would ask that if you know where he is, or think you know where he might be, or if you see him, to please call me on 0208 721 4961."

One man has been charged in connection with this investigation and another has been bailed to return this month pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DCI Bailey on 0208 721 4961. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

* A reward of £5,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder of Steven Carrigan-Cole.