Defenceless’ grandad, John Murray, 75, found beaten to death in his Chiswick home

The family of a grandad found dead at home have said they are ‘devastated and in complete shock’ after detectives launched a murder investigation.

John Murray, 75, died in Chiswick in October last year. A post-mortem held that month gave a cause of death as a head injury.

But a pathology examination later found it had been caused by an assault.

Mr Murray’s family said in a statement: ‘We are devastated and in complete shock to learn that our Dad and Grandad was murdered. John had so much more life to live.

‘We are struggling to comprehend why someone would harm a 75-year-old defenceless man in his own home. We are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward and help the police get justice for our family.’

Neighbours today described John as an ‘amazing guy’ and expressed their shock that the pensioner had been fatally attacked in his own flat. 

Andre, 37, who lives on the same floor of the Chiswick apartment block which is now a murder scene, told Metro: ‘He was an amazing guy. He was very very friendly. It’s lovely around here that’s why we moved here. I’m utterly shocked this had happened to such a warm and lovely gentleman.’ 

Forensics officers are trawling for clues at the scene as detectives carry out door to door inquiries. 

A mother of three who lives in the block told Metro: ‘We heard John had passed but to hear it’s a murder investigation is horrific. He was a lovely grandad type figure although he still had a motorcycle which he ride. He was sprightly fur sure. This is just terrible.’

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police have launched a murder appeal following the fatal assault of 75-year-old John Murray in Chiswick last year.

‘Officers were called on Saturday, October 12, by the London Ambulance Service to an unconscious man at a residential address in Carlton Road, Chiswick.

‘Despite the best efforts of emergency services to save his life, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as John Murray.

‘A post-mortem examination in October gave the initial cause of death as a result of a head injury. However, a murder investigation was later launched after a pathology result found the injury had been caused by an assault.

‘John’s family and investigating officers are urging any witnesses to come forward with information about the days leading up to his murder in Chiswick last year.

‘John was a father and grandfather, and a well-liked neighbour who moved to Chiswick after retiring. Those who knew him said he was always offering to help others in the community.

‘He was often seen riding his motorbike or in the communal gardens, which is where neighbours last saw him on Saturday, October 12, the day he died.’

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said: ‘My thoughts are very much with John’s family and the community at this tragic time.

‘As part of our investigation, we need the public’s help to piece together what exactly took place.

‘Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial. If you were in the Chiswick area, especially near Carlton Road on Saturday, 12 October, you may be able to assist our investigation.

‘Did you see or hear anything unusual around Carlton Road, for instance, any signs of a struggle or an argument? Do you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the surrounding areas at the time of the incident?

‘You may simply know John, or visited him at his flat. You may have spoken to him or noticed a change in him in the weeks leading up to his death.

‘Anyone with any information is urged to call police.’

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