A man has been charged with the murder of a “much-loved” pensioner in his 80s after an alleged robbery in east London, the Metropolitan Police have said.
Ashley Malcolm, 39, of Reighton Road in Hackney, is accused of killing John Burke, 86, at an address in nearby Fountayne Road, Manor House last month.
On Monday, September 29, just after 10am, emergency services were called to reports of an aggravated burglary with a man injured at the property.
Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, who rushed Mr Burke to hospital before doctors discharged him the same day.
Tragically, Mr Burke was pronounced dead the following day at home. This led detectives to conduct extensive enquiries into the nature and timing of Mr Burke’s death.
After Scotland Yard sought further medical evidence, the case became a murder investigation on Wednesday, October 22.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in Hackney, said: “We understand the community concern surrounding this case in which John very sadly lost his life.
“Officers worked at pace throughout the investigation and reacted quickly when any new information came to light.
“John was a much-loved neighbour and my thoughts remain with his family and friends. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”
John was a much-loved neighbour
Malcolm was arrested on suspicion of burglary and murder on Wednesday, October 1 and later released under investigation for the murder offence.
However, Malcolm was charged with robbery and remanded in custody, where he remains, as well as three separate, unconnected burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Hackney area.
These include an robbery at Gransden Road, Hammersmith and Fulham on Wednesday, September 24, the force said.
The other two incidents occurred on Monday, September 29, a burglary at Brooke Road and attempted burglary at Stamford Hill, both in Hackney.
His family continue to be supported by specialist officers and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time, a spokesman for the Met said.
