Police investigating the murder of an 87-year-old grandfather Thomas O’Halloran in Greenford have released images of a man who was seen running from the scene armed with a knife.
Police were called at 4:06pm yesterday (16 August 2022) to Runnymede Gardens, at the junction with Cayton Road, Greenford to reports of a man with stab wounds and werre assisted by London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the Mr O’Halloran was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe that Mr O’Halloran was stabbed in Western Avenue shortly before 4:06pm on 16 August before managing to travel 75 yards on his mobility scooter to Runnymede Gardens, where he flagged down a member of the public for help.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and they have released images of a man they are keen to identify as a matter of urgency. He was seen fleeing the scene armed with a knife.
He was wearing grey shorts, a dark coloured t-shirt, a white baseball cap and white patterned builder style gloves.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to identify the man in the CCTV images as a matter of urgency. He is clearly a dangerous individual and people are advised not to approach him, but to call us immediately on 999 if they know him or have any information regarding his whereabouts. My team and I have been working around the clock to bring Mr O’Halloran’s killer to justice, but we need your help.
He added: “If you have any information at all that will assist us with our investigation – no matter how small – please contact us or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously. I’d also appeal to anyone who might have dash cam or cycle helmet footage that might have captured the incident to get in touch with us.”
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who is in charge of policing for west London, including Ealing, said: “Mr O’Halloran had his life needlessly snatched away in a shocking act of unprovoked violence. “I understand that the community will, quite rightly, be shocked and appalled by this incident as I am too. Mr O’Halloran was a very well known and much loved member of our community. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I’d like to appeal for their privacy to be respected while they come to terms with their loss.”
He added: “Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, with the assistance of my officers, have been working tirelessly over the last 20 hours to understand what has happened and to identify who is responsible for this horrific crime. The public will see extra officers patrolling the area over the coming days. They are there to help and protect you – so if you have any concerns or information that you want to share then please approach them. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Thomas O’Halloran and his family at this time.”
In a statement, Ealing Council leader Peter Mason said: “I share the shock and anger I know people are feeling today following the tragic incident that has occurred on Clayton Road. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew the victim of this terrible crime, Mr Thomas O’Halloran, who was well known in the area. At the moment the emphasis must be on the ongoing police investigation. We are working closely with the police to provide any support we can and join in asking the public to contact the police if they have any information or footage that might help the investigation.”
Police are asking anyone with footage of the incident to upload it to them using this online form.
The police are also asking if any members of the public know the man in the images or has information about the murder, is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 quoting 4691/16AUG.
The public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
