Victim’s family devastated as cops arrest murder suspect, 41, and woman, 37, for ‘assisting an offender’ after horrific car park execution
A man and woman have been hauled into custody over the shocking daylight murder of a 41-year-old father near a busy Croydon shopping centre.
The Metropolitan Police swooped on the suspects early Sunday morning, arresting a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder whilst a 37-year-old woman was nabbed for allegedly assisting an offender.
It comes three days after horrified shoppers fled in terror as gunshots rang out near the Costco superstore on Imperial Way just after 5pm on Thursday evening.
‘TRAGIC LOSS’
The victim, also aged 41, was discovered suffering from devastating gunshot wounds in what witnesses described as a scene of utter chaos.
Despite frantic efforts by paramedics who rushed to the car park, the man tragically couldn’t be saved. He was pronounced dead at the scene as emergency crews battled to save his life.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, who’s leading the murder hunt, revealed the victim’s heartbroken family are being supported by specially trained officers as they struggle to comprehend their devastating loss.
My thoughts remain with the victim’s family as they come to terms with this tragic loss,” the senior detective said.
He added: “Our team of specially trained officers continue to support them as our investigation progresses.
SHOPPERS’ TERROR
The usually bustling retail area – home to several major stores including Costco and Selco – descended into pandemonium as the shots were fired during peak shopping hours.
Terrified families abandoned their trolleys and rushed for exits as word spread of the shooting, according to reports from Yahoo News.
Store staff frantically directed panicked customers away from the scene whilst waiting for armed police units to arrive.
One shopper told local media they heard what sounded like “fireworks” before realising the horrifying truth and seeing people running in all directions.
MURDER PROBE INTENSIFIES
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in what detectives believe may have been a targeted attack.
Both suspects remain in police custody as investigators piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Crime scene investigators spent hours combing the area for evidence, with Imperial Way partially blocked off as forensic teams examined the scene.
The investigation team from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command worked round the clock to track down the suspects before making the arrests on Sunday.
DESPERATE APPEAL
Police are still urgently appealing for witnesses who may have crucial information about the killing.
DCI Whitten stressed: “We would urge any witnesses to come forward and share information with us.”
Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Imperial Way area between 4:30pm and 5:30pm on Thursday.
They’re also hunting for dashcam or mobile phone footage that could help piece together the victim’s final moments.
CROYDON’S DEADLY YEAR
The shocking murder adds to a grim tally of violent deaths in the south London borough, which has seen several high-profile shootings in recent months.
Just last month, two men were charged with attempted murder after a man in his 30s was blasted with a shotgun in New Addington, according to Inside Croydon.
The victim in that case survived after being rushed to hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening.
Thursday’s fatal shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence in the area, with locals calling for increased police patrols.
TRAGIC PATTERN
The Imperial Way killing bears chilling similarities to other recent gun crimes that have plagued the borough.
In April, a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death at Surrey Street Market in broad daylight, sparking a massive police manhunt.
And the area hasn’t forgotten the devastating loss of Met Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was shot dead at Croydon police station in 2020 – becoming the first officer killed by gunfire in the UK for eight years.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Anyone with information about Thursday’s shooting is urged to contact police immediately on 101, quoting reference CAD 6530/19JUN.
Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
Detectives stress that even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in bringing the killer to justice and providing answers to a grieving family.
