The officers in charge of the investigation into Sally Anne's murder have categorically stated her boyfriend Lewis Sproston was not involved in her murder.

Pub chef Mark Dixie was today found guilty of murdering the 18-year-old model in 2005.

The 37-year-old, who was sentenced to life in jail, denied killing Sally Anne - claiming he only had sex with her corpse and that someone else must have murdered her.

During the Old Bailey trial Tooting's Mr Sproston, who was called to give evidence, was asked if he had killed Sally Anne.

Dixie's defence, Anthony Glass, told the jury they could not be sure Mr Sproston had not killed her.

But the jury rejected the defence's argument delivering a guilty verdict.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy said that as soon as Mr Sproston was arrested and interviewed his officers believed that he was not guilty.

Lewis was the last person to see Sally Anne alive after driving her back to her home in Blenheim Avenue, South Croydon, in the early hours of September 25, 2005. The couple argued outside the house before Lewis left.

He was arrested and spent four days in police custody.

D Supt Cundy said: "All credit to Lewis, he spent four days in custody. But the officers who arrested him told me very soon that they didn't think it added up.

"We searched his car and he was very open to allowing us to test the clothing he was wearing on the night and there were no traces of blood or anything."