DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help in tracing a vehicle seen close the spot where two Surrey residents and two others were murdered in the French Alps in September.
Officers are keen to speak to the owner of a right-hand drive 4x4 vehicle, possibly a grey, black or dark coloured BMW X5.
It was being driven on the Combre d'Ire Road, Chevaline in the Annecy area at around 3.20pm on September 5.
Shortly after, the bodies of the four victims were found shot dead in a lay-by on the road.
They were later identified as Saad Al-Hilli and his wife Ikbal who lived in Claygate, Surrey, her mother Suhaila al-Allaf who lived in Sweden and French cyclist Sylvain Mollier. The Al-Hilli's two daughters survived the incident, one having been shot in the shoulder.
Following the establishment of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on September 21 last year, the French authorities have been working closely with officers from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team to progress a number of lines of enquiry in the UK.
As part of this officers have travelled frequently to France with both French and UK investigators being embedded in the respective teams.
The appeal for information is released on behalf of the Joint Investigation Team and is due to feature on this evening's BBC Crimewatch programme.
Detective Superintendent Nick May said: "I am appealing for anyone with a right hand drive 4X4, particularly a grey, black or dark coloured BMW X5, to cast their minds back to September last year.
"Were you on holiday in the French Alps at the time? Did you visit the Annecy area?
"I am particularly keen to speak to any owner of such a vehicle who visited the towns of Doussard or Chevaline on the afternoon of September 5 as they may be able to provide vital information to assist with this ongoing joint investigation."
"This location is very popular and there may have been a number of tourists staying in the local area or travelling through at that time of year.
"The timing of this sighting is clearly significant and it is important that we trace this vehicle if only to eliminate it from our enquiries.
"This was a shocking crime and we remain committed to working with our colleagues in France to find whoever was responsible and bring them to justice."
Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 01483 630077, quoting Operation Walmer, or email OPWalmer@surrey.pnn.police.uk.
Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
