image:6455:0::0

The bodies of Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez, both 23, were found in a flat in New Cross, south-east London on Sunday night. Both were studying bio-chemistry at the Imperial College the last two months.

Bonomo, of Velaux, and Ferez, of Prouzel, were studying in Clermont-Ferrand, central France, and was specially chosen to take part in a three-month research project into chains of protein within DNA at Imperial College.

Autopsy results showed that they had suffered a total of 243 stab wounds to the head, neck and chest before they were set on fire. Mr. Bonomo had 196 stab wounds, including 100 to his back, and Mr. Ferez had been stabbed 47 times

Mick Duthie, Detective Chief Inspector, told BBC that they have no ideas why the two were killed. He added that the flat (apartment) was broken into six days before and a laptop was stolen.

Duthie said a white male was seen running away from the scene of fire but have no further information on whether he was alone or with a group.

The students' neighbor told the BBC: "A fire was shocking enough, but when we came back the next day and were told that it was a murder scene, well no-one welcomes that…My wife was very upset, it's very shocking."

Duthie believes it might be a case of mistaken identity and a background of the two victims showed they had no prior criminal connections or background. He said the police are extremely shocked with the type of attack.

I have never seen injuries like this throughout my career…I would not say this was a professional attack. I would say it was a frenzied, horrible, horrific attack…I imagine it would take some considerable amount of time to inflict the nature of the injuries.

The police are trying to study the CCTV pictures from the area for any possible suspects.

Imperial College's Rector, Sir Roy Anderson, told BBC:

Laurent and Gabriel had bright futures ahead of them and it is dreadful that their lives should end so soon.

Ferez was living at another south London address and was visiting his close friend Bonomo when the attack took place. Bonomo last spoke with his girlfriend in France early Sunday morning, according to Mr. Duthie.

The parents of the two victims are in UK to identify their sons.