A 45-year-old man has been arrested after a student was found murdered in a flat.

Michael Jones, 18, was found dead by his mother Kathleen Kirby-Jones at their home in Edmonton, north London, last Thursday afternoon.

The man, who lives in Lower Edmonton, is in custody at a north London police station.

Ms Kirby-Jones made an emotional tribute to her "helpful, considerate, loving" son, breaking down when asked about the killer who also tried to assault her.

She said the attacker came running down from upstairs and tried to force his way into the room where she was. Ms Kirby-Jones said she managed to call police on her mobile phone and the attacker fled.

Police are not ruling out that the attack was "targeted", and not just a normal burglary, because of the level of violence used and the fact that the killer also waited for Michael's mother.

Ms Kirby-Jones, who is divorced from Michael's father, said: "He was always making jokes, always so helpful, so considerate and loving.

"He loved his books, he really enjoyed his university work, he was fashion conscious, loved clothes and was even a little vain."

His father Michael said: "He was a role model to his nephews, cousins, and younger kids, every kid he knew looked up to him."

The Metropolitan Police force said it is trying to trace a BMW and some jewellery in relation to the case.

Detective Chief Inspector John McDonald said: "We are still carrying out an extensive investigation of the scene and it appears at this stage that at least two items of Michael's jewellery and his glasses are missing.

"It is important for anyone who has recently come into possession of these items or who knows of their whereabouts, to contact us urgently."

He added: "It is possible that the jewellery has been taken to a pawnbrokers or someone has bought them second-hand."

Police appealed for help in tracing the 318 saloon SE blue BMW with the registration number N118 FLA.

They are also looking for an 18-20 inch, nine-carat-gold neck chain with a crucifix and a figure of Christ on it; a gold ring with the initials MJ and three white stones on the initial M; and a pair of glasses from Specsavers with gunmetal frames.

Mr Jones, a first-year geography student at Queen Mary University of London, was described by police as a "hard-working lad" who did not appear to have been in trouble before.

He died as a result of severe head injuries and a stab wound to the chest.

Police asked anyone with information to contact the Incident Room on 020 8345 3985, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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