A father has lost his fight for life three days after suffering a serious head injury, reportedly during an argument over a dog in an east London park.
Detectives launched a murder investigation after Steven Kennedy died on Sunday following an attack in Plaistow Park, half a mile from his home, last Thursday morning.
The 61-year-old was a member of the River Church in Canning Town and a director of the River Christian Centre, and is understood to have travelled widely in Africa and eastern Europe to preach as a missionary.
Asim Qadri, who owns the Shop Wise convenience store near the park’s entrance, said: “I heard there was an argument and someone pushed or punched him. I saw him being taken out and put in the ambulance.
“He was alive then. He sat up as they were taking him to the ambulance. It’s shocking that he’s died.”
An employee at a nearby hairdressers, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard the guy had a dog and there was an argument. The police came in here and said a man had been punched, but that’s it. It’s scary, I take my kids to that park.” Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack.
Neighbour Sonny Somwaru described Mr Kennedy as a “devoted” Christian. He said: “I was too shocked to get the news. He was the only one that I could talk things over with.
“He spent quite a while going back and forth, preaching over in Africa.”
Dave Gill, pastor of River Church, said: “The family and all of us are devastated at this time.”
Mohammed Metowlli, 23, of Plaistow, was charged with grievous bodily harm before Mr Kennedy died. He is due to appear at Snaresbrook crown court on June 28. A second man, 29, was arrested on suspicion of GBH and has been released under investigation.
