HOME Secretary David Blunkett has travelled to India and made a plea for more help in tracking down the killer of Southampton student Hannah Foster.

Maninder Pal Singh Kholi, 35, is the prime suspect wanted for the abduction, rape and murder of 17-year-old Hannah.

Kholi, who worked as a sandwich delivery driver, is believed to have fled to India's Punjab region after the killing last March.

Tomorrow Mr Blunkett is due to visit the Punjab Police Academy to thank officers for their support in trying to locate the man believed responsible for the "heinous crime''.

He is expected to say: "The tragic murder of young Hannah Foster shows why it is so important we continue to forge even closer policing links. Criminals do not respect international borders - sharing intelligence, working even closer together and co-operating fully in joint operations is the only way to deal with global crime.

"Hampshire police have been working closely with their colleagues in the Punjab, to track down and arrest this man.

"Only through continued and even closer co-operation and joint working can we catch those who believe they can flee UK justice by crossing an international border.

"I appeal to the men and women of the Punjab to assist their police service in achieving his capture.

"This is not only in the interests of justice but because he is wanted for questioning for the most heinous of crimes.''

Earlier this month, detectives hunting Hannah's killer raised the reward for his capture to five million rupees (£70,000).

Police say the reward will only be paid for information leading to the arrest of Kholi or to the suspect giving himself up.

Hannah was raped and strangled on Friday, March 14, after a night out with friends in the Portswood area of Southampton. Her body was found two days later by a roadside in Allington Lane, West End.