Toni-Ann: DNA clue

A crucial DNA clue could hold the key to the unsolved murder of seven-year-old Toni-Ann Byfield, it was revealed today.

Forensic experts have discovered traces of unidentified DNA on a bread knife found beneath the girl's body which they believe may belong to the killer.

Detectives believe the weapon was used to threaten Toni-Ann and drug dealer Bertram - also known as Tony - Byfield, who she thought was her father. The pair were then shot dead. Today, on the anniversary of the killings, detectives also told how they suspect two people were involved in the murder at 41-year-old Byfield's Kensal Green bedsit.

They disclosed the convicted crack dealer was assassinated because of his association with notorious Jamaican-British gang the British Link-Up Crew. Toni-Ann is believed to have been shot so she could not identify the killers.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Basu, leading the inquiry, said the white-handled bread knife found beneath her body was bent in half, possibly by the force of being slammed into a door in the bedsit.

Experts found DNA on the weapon from both victims, and the DNA of a third person who is believed to have been at the scene at the time.

Mr Basu said: "I cannot place the knife in the flat before the murder so I believe it was brought there. I do not think the killer would have a gun and a knife so it raises the possibility of a second person. The knife was not used on the victims but could have been used to intimidate them."

He said Byfield was associated with leaders of the British Link-Up Crew. It has been involved in trafficking millions of pounds of cocaine into Britain, and has links to gangs in Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester. Earlier this year gang boss Owen Clarke, 46, known as "The Father", was jailed for drug trafficking.

Police believe the double murder was linked to an incident in June last year, when Byfield was shot as he tried to collect a ?25,000 drugs debt in Jamaica. Detectives want to identify the attacker.

Mr Basu said: "The British Link-Up Crew is a ruthless, organized cartel and I believe the murderer is known to them. I am appealing to them to help.

"Tony Byfield grew up in Jamaica with men and women involved with this gang. They should search their conscience, look at their

children and imagine how the Byfield family feel every day." Scotland Yard is offering ?25,000 for information to convict the killer.

After the murders, an inquiry found Toni-Ann should never have been with Byfield. She was placed in the care of a woman in London who social services wrongly thought was her aunt. The woman was a girlfriend of Byfield. It was always thought - by Byfield included - that Toni-Ann was his daughter, but the inquiry found they were not related.

Anyone with information can call police on 020-8733-4704 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.