Thomas 'Tommy' Carey, 39, died from head injuries at his flat in Poynders Road, Brixton Hill, on Friday, September 4. Emergency services arrived at the scene, but he was pronounced dead before they could reach him. A murder investigation was subsequently launched.
Pub tribute to a 'cheeky chap'
Staff at The Hope pub in West Norwood, where Carey was a regular, paid tribute to him on their Facebook page. They described him as a 'lovely customer' and a 'cheeky chap with a smile on his face'. The tribute highlighted that he was a 'big kid at heart, with an even bigger heart' and that he would be 'hugely missed by everyone who knew him'.
The post continued: "Every morning, he was one of the first in - a coffee, a BuzzBall and a chat with myself and everyone else who knew and loved him. You genuinely couldn't say a bad word about Tommy. He was loved by so many."
The pub staff expressed shock and sadness, saying: "We are shocked, absolutely gutted, and finding it so hard to understand. WHY?? Sleep tight, our lovely Tommy. Our mornings will never be the same without you. You will always be part of the Hope - your second home - and we will make sure you are never forgotten."
Arrests and charges
Police arrested two men in their 30s on suspicion of murder on Tuesday, September 8. A woman in her 30s was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. On Thursday, Leroy Heffron, 38, of Sangley Road, Catford, was charged with murder and held in custody. The other man was bailed pending further enquiries, and the woman remains in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the Met Police investigation, said: "We are pleased with the progress of the investigation into Thomas' death, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time."
She added: "Our enquiries remain ongoing, and we continue to appeal for information. We urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual on in the evening of Thursday, 3 September into the early morning of Friday, 4 September to reach out and speak to us."
Appeal for information
The pub's tribute also appealed for information, urging anyone who knew Tommy to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting CAD number CAD7021/04SEP26. It said: "Any information could be good information and may help us get justice for our Tommy."
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the local area, said: "We know this incident has caused concern and sadness across the local community, particularly among those who knew Thomas. Residents may continue to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to one of our officers on patrol."
