COPS investigating the double execution of a young couple in south London were searching the Regent’s Canal for the murder weapon this morning after new intelligence has directed them to the East End.

The Met’s gun crime unit Trident was using the police’s specialist diving team to search the canal in Mile End as they now believe the murder weapon may have been thrown into water.

Jordan Lee Jackson, 20, and Leyla Djemal-Northcott, 21, were both killed in their flat in Menlo Gardens, in Upper Norwood on 7 March 2006 when gunmen burst in around 6.40am.

Det Chief Insp Neil Hutchison said: “Today our dive search team are trying to find the weapon as we have received new information that it may have been discarded in this area. This weapon could be the key to solving these murders.

“I believe these murders were pre-meditated executions. The two suspects forced their way into the flat early in the morning before shooting the victims at close range. The victims had no chance to run or defend themselves.

“This happened nearly five years ago but I am hopeful that someone may come forward with information in relation to these murders - allegiances may have changed in the last five years and any information could help us to finally bring those responsible to justice.

“If anyone out there is reluctant to tell us what they know because they are frightened then I want to assure them that they will be protected. They can be provided with anonymity in a court case. Trident has extensive experience in witness protection and anonymity and has used it successfully on many occasions.”

After the shooting the gunmen ran away from the scene and, although some arrests were made at the time, detectives are still to solve the case.

Police believe that Leyla, who was shot in bed, was an innocent bystander and was targeted purely because she was in the flat with Jordan.

Jordan’s brother Keiran Jackson was also shot but has recovered from his injuries. Police believe he was lucky to live through the ordeal.

Claudia Webbe, chairman of the Trident Independent Advisory Group, said: “I appeal to mothers, girlfriends, sisters in the community who must understand the grief Leyla and Jordan’s family are suffering. Do you have information that could help a mother finally find closure? I would urge them to contact the police and help us ensure that these violent criminals do not cause more pain in our community.”

The MPS is offering a reward of up to �20,000 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction Jordan and Leyla’s killers.

Leyla’s mum, Christine Djemal, said: “Leyla has not had the opportunity to finish college, get married, have children. She is deeply missed by her family who still find it hard to come to terms with her sudden and violent death.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8247 4553 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.