Stephen Lawrence clues in wake of TV appeal

An anniversary appeal for information on the murder of Stephen Lawrence has prompted two "very significant" phone calls which could yield a witness to the attack, police have said.

The appeal was broadcast on BBC1's Crimewatch programme on Monday night, a week after the 20th anniversary of the racist attack in Eltham, south-east London, that led to the 18-year-old's death. Officers are now following up a number of phone calls received after the programme.

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll said they had many calls on Monday night, but two were especially strong. "One could produce a potential eyewitness to the attack, and one gives very good background information about suspects already known," he said.

Police had said in advance that they were keen to speak to someone who had been wearing a distinctive green jacket with a large "V", who was seen in the area on the night of the attack.

Det Chief Insp Driscoll said: "We have also had three phone calls about the green jumper or jacket and we will certainly be making inquiries around those bits of information to verify them."

Police have said that, despite securing two convictions, the investigation remains open.