03/11/2009

Appeal Follows Sutton Halloween Murder

Police are appealing for witnesses following the murder of a man in Sutton.

Officers were called at around 3.30am on Sunday, 1 November, to Throwley Way, Sutton to reports of a man assaulted at the location.

Police and London Ambulance Service attended and discovered a 30-year-old man suffering from head injuries. He was taken to a south London hospital where he died later that evening.

The victim and his girlfriend were out for the evening celebrating Halloween and were in Throwley Way when the victim's girlfriend had her witch's hat snatched from her head by some men.

The victim asked for the hat to be returned to his girlfriend and was attacked by the men.

He was kicked and punched and left unconscious on the street. His girlfriend was also punched.

Five men and two women were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody at various south London police stations.

Next of kin have been informed and the victim has been identified as Ben Gardner, 30.

A post mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

Det Insp Bob Campany from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "Although it was 3.30am, there were a lot of people in the area at the time of the incident as the local clubs were closing.

"We would like any information from witnesses who may have been on Throwley Way at the time.

"This appears to be a violent unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was out enjoying Halloween night with his girlfriend."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sutton incident room on 020 8721 4005 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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