A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 25-year-old Walworth man on Thursday, who was found lying “unresponsive” on the pavement.
Police and paramedics were called after Reginald Ofei-Berko’s body was found at 3.05pm in Penrose Street. He died later that day in King’s College Hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) has told the News that Reginald had sustained injuries “consistent with being assaulted”.
DCI Jones said: “It is believed that Reginald has been involved in an altercation with a group of four men: one white male and three black males.”
Police made one arrest of a nineteen-year-old male on Tuesday.
THe image above was taken from a CCTV camera belonging to a pawnbrokers in Walworth Road which Reginald visited at 1.30pm before the incident.
DCI Jones added: “What we know at the moment is that the victim was in the Walworth Road and East Street Market area at 2.45pm – only a matter of minutes before the altercation took place in Penrose Street.
“We believe he may have been sleeping rough. He had been in accommodation not long ago, but we have been unable establish where he had been staying [in the last few days].
“He frequented the area and has family who live in the area. I think he will have been well known in the area.”
The detective confirmed that Reginald’s nearest relative in Walworth, his grandmother, was “extremely distraught” and “desperate to understand how this might have happened to him”.
The police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward.
“This is a busy road, and with the hot weather, there would have been a lot of people out and about,” DCI Jones said.
“We are extremely keen to talk to anyone who either took part in this altercation or who witnessed such an incident.
“I would also like to speak with anyone who saw Reginald after he left the shop.
“Where did he go? What was he doing before 3pm?
“Any piece of information, however small, might be vital to us – so we would urge any members of the public who can help to please come forward and contact us.”
Anyone with information should call the incident room number on 0208 3453734, 101, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111.