A 44-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of Thomas O’Halloran in West London while he was riding a mobility scooter.
Following Tuesday’s attack in Greenford, Scotland Yard reported that the suspect was detained at a residence in nearby Southall this morning and remains in custody.
Mr. O’Halloran, 87, was frequently spotted busking with a harmonica and accordion to raise money for Ukraine in front of a Tesco and a train station in South Greenford.
The elderly, believed to be a part of the Irish community in Ealing, was described as ‘well-liked and beloved’ by those who knew him.
The inquiry was led by Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who stated, “I would like to thank the public for their amazing support following this horrible occurrence.” Yesterday’s revelation of a CCTV photograph led to the arrest of a suspect, and the investigation is proceeding swiftly.
The family of Mr. O’Halloran has been updated and continues to receive care from specially trained police.
I would like to reaffirm their prior request that their privacy be respected as they continue to cope with their devastating loss.
Tuesday at 4.06 p.m., officers of the Metropolitan Police were dispatched to Runnymede Gardens near the intersection with Cayton Road in response to reports of a male with stab wounds.
Officers administered emergency first treatment to Mr. O’Halloran until the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, but he was pronounced dead at the spot.
Detectives suspect he was stabbed on the A40 Western Avenue before using his mobility scooter to travel around 75 yards to Runnymede Gardens.
There, he signaled for assistance from a member of the public. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Specialist Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police Department.