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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Clare McCarthy

Man charged with murder of Thomas O'Halloran after Irish busker on mobility scooter stabbed to death

A man, 44, has been charged with the murder of an elderly Irish busker who was stabbed to death on his mobility scooter in west London.

Thomas O'Halloran, 87, who is originally from Co Clare, was attacked and stabbed in broad daylight off the A40 in Greenford on Tuesday afternoon.

Lee Byer was arrested in Southhall, west London, on Wednesday night and has since has been charged with the pensioner's murder.

He is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court later today.

Police believe Mr O'Halloran was attacked in Western Avenue shortly after 4pm.

READ MORE: Heartbroken family of Irishman stabbed to death in London saw it on news unaware they knew victim

The Clare man attempted to flee the scene and travelled 70 metres before a member of the public came to his aide.

Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, but the busker was pronounced dead a short time later.

He is survived by his brothers George and Richard, sister Bridget, and many nieces and nephews who live in the west Clare town of Ennistymon.

Officers had earlier released CCTV images of a man "fleeing the scene" in Cayton Road "armed with a knife".

Mr O'Halloran was known for playing the accordion outside his local supermarket to raise money for war-torn Ukraine, with police describing him as a "very well known and a much-loved member" of the community.

Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson said at the scene on Tuesday that Mr O'Halloran was killed in a "shocking act" of "unprovoked violence".

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the investigation, said after the arrest was made: “I would like to thank the public for their overwhelming support following this horrific incident.

"As a result of the release of a CCTV image yesterday, an arrest has been made and this investigation is progressing at pace.

“Mr O’Halloran’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”

Neighbours and friends have set up a GoFuneMe campaign to support the Clare man's family with funeral costs and "anything else they may need".

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