Murder investigation launched after homeless man stabbed to death

A man who was found dead on Thursday has been identified by police and a murder investigation has been launched.

The body of Ion Radu, 46, was found in a carpark in Homelands Drive, Crystal Palace. He had suffered a stab wound to his stomach.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the liver.

Police were called at around 9.30am to the car park of Efra Court in Homelands Drive by a member of the public who had found Mr Radu unresponsive.

Police officers attended the scene and Mr Radu, a Romanian national, was found to be deceased.

The Met said enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives and no arrests have been made at this stage.

Detective Chief Inspector Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation, said: “I am very keen to hear from anyone who saw Mr Radu in the 48 hours before he died. 

“We think that Mr Radu may have been homeless, and potentially vulnerable. We think he was a familiar face in the area, and may have engaged with local people. 

“Did you know Mr Radu? Did you see him recently, either on his own or in the company of someone else? If you spoke to him, was he worried or upset about anything? 

“We are working to build a picture of Ion’s life and we need the public to help us. 

“If you have information that you want to share, no matter how insignificant it might seen, please get in touch.”

If you have information please call Police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Picture top: Ion Radu (Picture: Met Police)