Mystery death and date drug robbery linked by police
By Emma Pengelly
The death of a man is being linked to a separate but similar incident of rape and theft which happened five days earlier.
Police were called to a block of flats in Lombard Road, Battersea, on June 4 at 6.38pm last Tuesday where the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was Adrian Murphy, 43, pictured, from Wandsworth and further tests will reveal how he died.
Property had also been stolen from Mr Murphy’s home.
A girl, 17, was arrested on June 12 on suspicion of murder and theft and has since been released under investigation and earlier that day a man, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and theft who has since been bailed to attend a police station at a later date.
Police are linking the incident to an allegation of rape which happened five days earlier on Thursday 30 May in Walthamstow at around 1pm.
The victim, 40, believes his attacker drugged him and stole his belongings after they met on dating app Grindr.
A friend found the victim unconscious and he was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital.
The victim’s flat was ransacked of laptops, mobile phones and cash when he was unconscious.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack said: “We have linked these two incidents through our suspects and our enquiries continue to establish the exact circumstances.
“We know the victim in the Walthamstow incident met the male suspect through a social networking site and we are investigating whether there is a similar connection in Mr Murphy’s death.
“Both incidents happened over a short period of time and thorough enquiries have led us to make these prompt arrests. However, there is a possibility other offences may have been committed before 30 May.
“Has anything similar happened to you, or someone you know? A meeting arranged online that has led to intoxication, robbery and possibly sexual assault. Please have the confidence to approach my team so we can investigate what happened to you. You can also contact third party organisations such as the charity Galop. You will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.
Contact 101 quoting CAD 6467/4 June with information or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Galop’s Shoutline on 020 7704 2040.
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