The heartbroken parents of two sisters murdered by a stranger have appealed for help catching their killer.

Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry - aged 27 and 46 - were discovered stabbed to death in Fryent Country Park in Brent, London, following a socially-distanced party to celebrate Bibaa's birthday.

Parents Chris and Wilhelmina Smallman, from Ramsgate, have spoken of their devastation at the pair's stabbing.

"The greatest fear of any parent is that they will outlive their children," they said. "What makes our situation unique is that two adored sisters were murdered together on the same night.

"The grief we feel is palpable, our beautiful and talented daughters gone.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen, heard, or know something to please contact the police who are investigating what has happened to our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole."

Detectives have today released photographs taken of the victims prior to the murders which they believe could help them to identify the attacker, now confirmed to be man.

The images show the sisters dancing with fairy lights, creating a distinctive pattern which may help jog the memory of people in the area on the evening of Friday, June 5, and the early hours of Saturday, June 6, when it is believed they were killed.

DCI Simon Harding, who is leading the Met's investigation, said: "The victims were much loved sisters who were very close despite their age gap.

"They were surrounded by friends and family and it's unimaginable what they are going through.

"For their sake and the sake of the wider community we need to identify and apprehend the suspect as soon as possible. And we need help from the public to do that. So please do contact us with any information you may have which could assist, no matter how small.

"Someone out there knows something. I would ask them to look into their conscience and question their protection of an individual who has robbed a family of two beloved women."

Both Nicole and Bibaa were reported as missing to police late on the Saturday after the party when they did not return home.

Police were called to the park off Slough Lane shortly after 1pm on Sunday, June 7, after reports of the bodies being discovered.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death for both women as stab wounds.

Officers investigating their deaths say the suspect received significant injuries during the incident, and ask people to notice if they see a loved one, neighbour, colleague, friend or acquaintance with a significant unexplained injury, to their hands in particular.

On June 10 a 36-year-old man was arrested in south London on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody but subsequently released with no further action with regards the murder.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 quoting CAD 3160/7Jun

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