A convicted sex offender was found stabbed to death in his caravan on an industrial estate in south London. Andrew Cunningham, 52, died from multiple stab wounds to the head, neck, and chest. His genitals were also mutilated in the attack, which police described as 'vicious and brutal'.
Cunningham had been on the sex offenders register for an offence committed in 2000, but his name was removed in March. He was convicted in 2001 of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl and served a four-month prison sentence. Police said it was possible his past was a motive for the murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, leading the investigation, said there was no evidence of a vigilante mob, contrary to reports. 'There are no reports whatsoever of a group of people being seen in the area, no reports of anyone chanting, shouting or unusual activity,' he said. The caravan was locked from the inside, suggesting Cunningham may have invited his killer in.
Cunningham was last seen alive at 6.10pm on December 9. He was found by his employer on Wednesday morning when he failed to turn up for work. Police are studying CCTV footage from the industrial estate near Wimbledon dog track and are appealing for information about his movements.
Sara Payne, whose daughter Sarah was murdered by a convicted paedophile in 2000, condemned the killing, saying the attackers were 'no better' than their victim. She warned the murder could set back her campaign for public access to the names and addresses of sex offenders.
