Detectives are trying to trace the driver of a car who could provide vital information in the murder of a University of Brighton student.

German national Janet Müller's body was found in a burning car in Ifield on March 13.

Officers launched a murder investigation and days later arrested a man in connection with her death.

But now they need to trace the driver of a car, believed to be a Ford Mondeo taxi, to help them with their investigation.

It is thought the driver may have been approached by Janet on the Kingsway, Hove, near the junction with Medina Villas at 1.12am on March 13.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Mizzi, who is leading the investigation for the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "We urgently need to identify the driver of this car, as they may be able to provide vital information to the investigation.

"We have released images of Janet after she left Millview Hospital of her walking in Portslade - in a subway at 10.33pm on Thursday, March 12; the second in Station Road at 12.28am and the final one walking east towards Brighton and crossing Sackville Gardens near the BP garage at 12.55am.

"This new information places her just a few streets away near to Medina Villas.

"If you are that driver, please get in touch. Equally if you saw her in the area around those times or perhaps a little later, please contact me.

"Even if you think you may have seen her or that your sighting was only brief, please do call as your information could prove very important to us."

Anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Madeira

  • Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, 26, of Lakeside, Beckenham, London, has been charged with her murder. He will next appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday July 3.