The family and friends of John Murray, a 75-year-old man fatally assaulted in his home near Acton’s Southfield Recreation Ground last year, have issued an appeal for witnesses, as Metropolitan Police detectives continue to investigate the brutal murder.
Mr Murray was attacked in his Carlton Road home on 12 October 2024. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. Nine months on, police say key information is still needed to bring his killers to justice. Officers are urging residents to check CCTV, dashcams and doorbell footage for anything that may help.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for anonymous information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “John was a father, grandfather, and a well-liked neighbour, who was brutally murdered in his own home. We are making progress in our investigation, but we need the public’s help to get John, his family and friends the justice they deserve.
“Did you see or hear anything unusual around Carlton Road, such as any signs of a struggle or an argument? If you knew John, did you notice a change in him in the weeks leading up to his death?
“Anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem is urged to call police on 101 providing the reference 5382/12Oct, or by visiting the Major Incident Public Portal Website.”
John’s family said: “As a family, we are still struggling to understand why someone would harm a defenceless 75-year-old man in his own home. We cannot move on with our lives until we have some answers. To anyone with information, please come forward and help the police get justice for our family.”
Neighbours described Mr Murray as a “lovely man” and a “good friend and neighbour who had been at the centre of the community for years”, saying the murder had left the tight-knit community reeling.
Alexa Loukas, London regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “This was a deeply shocking crime that has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. Your information could be the key to justice.”
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
