Crime reporter(wp/es):
Residents have spoken of their devastation after a murder investigation was launched following the death of a five-year-old boy who was injured in a park.
Detectives launched a probe after reports of “an incident involving a man in the company of a child” at Mountsfield Park, Catford, on Sunday evening.
Officers were called to the south London hospital at 1.45am on Monday when the child, believed to be from Bromley, was admitted with “critical head injuries”.
A man appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and was remanded in custody. The boy died from his injuries on Tuesday afternoon and the inquiry was passed to the Met’s homicide and major crime command. A post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday and investigators were awaiting its findings today.
Cathy Knott, 45, was in the playground with her five-year-old daughter shortly before the incident. She said: “When we left it was already getting dark and there were only about four other people in there and nothing strange, just a happy family afternoon. It was dark and cold and everyone was going home. We are all devastated. We can’t believe something like this has happened.”
A statement on behalf of community group Friends of Mountsfield Park said: “We and the park users we represent are devastated by this dreadful news. We will help in any way we can.”
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Lynes, who is leading the Met's investigation, said: “We are appealing to find any witnesses who were in, or near to, Mountsfield Park, Catford, between approximately 5.15pm and 6.45pm on Sunday November 20. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything regarding an incident involving a man in the company of a child.”
Marvin Iheanacho, 38, from Hounslow was arrested on Monday and appeared at Bromley magistrates’ court. He was remanded in custody to appear at Woolwich crown court on December 20.
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