Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was dragged half a mile by a car in a “horrific and callous” attack in south-west London.
Officers were called to the scene in Moor Lane in Chessington shortly after midnight on Friday.
The driver did not stop and the victim, who is believed to be 25, was dragged under the car for some distance, according to the Metropolitan police.
Paramedics from the London ambulance service were also in attendance but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
DCI Richard Leonard, from the Met’s specialist crime unit, said: “This appears to be a premeditated attack where the driver collided with the victim and then dragged him for half a mile before making off.
“This is one of the most horrific and callous incidents I have ever come across where the driver of the vehicle (Ford S Max) has left the victim to die in the road where he was found by his friends.
“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward, equally anyone who may have footage of the incident please contact us.”
The Met believe they know the man’s identity and have informed his next of kin. Formal identification of his body and a postmortem will be arranged in due course.
As of Friday afternoon, there had been no arrests and and investigation was underway to establish the full circumstances of the crash. Road closures remained in place and motorists were advised to avoid the area.
The vehicle was found burnt out in Epsom, a mile from the crime scene.
Ch Supt Sally Benatar, who leads the south-west London command, said: “My thoughts are with the family of the man who has died in this awful incident. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the Chessington community while road closures remain in place in order for a thorough scene investigation to be carried out.
“Our officers are available at the scene to talk to local residents with any concerns or information.”
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call the incident room on 020 8721 4622.
