Breaking news: Murder probe after man dies following Sutton town centre assault (From Sutton Guardian)

Murder investigation after man dies following Sutton town centre assault

9:50am Monday 2nd November 2009 in News By Leanne Fender

A man died after being viciously attacked by a gang of men on Halloween night.

A murder investigation has been launched after the 30-year-old man, named locally as Ben Gardner, suffered head injuries and died at a south London hospital on Sunday evening.

It is believed Mr Gardner was protecting his girlfriend when the attack happened and that he suffered serious head injuries which lead to his death.

Mr Gardner used to work for the Union Credit Bank when it was open in Sutton.

Police officers and London Ambulance Service were called to Throwley Way, Sutton at 3.34am after reports a man had been assaulted.

Six men and two women have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody at south London police stations.

Next of kin have been informed and a post mortem examination is set to take place.

Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command based at Sutton are investigating the incident.

The one way system surrounding the town centre was closed for most of yesterday as police carried out inquiries.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Do you know Ben Gardner? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.