A MURDER hunt has been launched following the death of an Irishman found badly beaten in an alleyway at the weekend.
Michael Hunt, known locally as ‘Irish Mike’, was found in a bin in a passageway between an estate agents and a supermarket in Station Road, South Norwood, Croydon at 7am on Saturday.
A shopkeeper raised the alarm after stumbling across the seriously injured 37-year-old, who he claims was barely clothed, while opening his store.
Mr Hunt, originally from Waterford, was taken to Kings College Hospital, where he died five hours later - shortly before midday, prompting a murder inquiry currently being led by the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide & Major Crime Command.
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway confirmed: “The man was found on his own, seriously injured, in an alleyway between an estate agents and a supermarket in Station Road, South Norwood.”
She added: “We do not know, at this time, how the victim sustained his injuries, nor have we established a motive for any attack on him.”
Mr Hunt is believed to have been living in Croydon for the past six years, after moving to London from his hometown in Co. Waterford to find work.
His devastated family felt unable to comment on the news of his death, although his niece, Jade Hunt, paid tribute, claiming he was “loved by everyone”.
Recent Facebook posts from the Irishman show he was feeling homesick before his death and hopeful of a reunion sometime soon.
“I haven’t stopped dreaming about home all the time,” he posted. “I luv and miss my family in my homeland and can’t wait to see you.”
A keen Crystal Palace supporter, the football fan had made friends with a number of regulars at his local pub The Portmanor over the years.
They claim they were due to join him for a drink on St Patrick’s Day and were stunned to hear the news of his death.
A bartender there said: "He was known as Irish Mick. He was a lovely guy and we are all really sad about what's happened.”
She added: "I found out on Saturday morning and it was an absolute shock that such a nice person had been killed. When I last saw him he said he was coming back Monday for St Patrick's Day, so we will raise a glass at some point today to him.”
A post-mortem examination began at 10am on Monday morning to establish how Mr Hunt’s fatal injuries were inflicted.
The results of this were due to be released that evening, as The Irish Post went to press, along with the police’s formal identification of the body.
With no arrests made, Police are appealing for information about the incident.
"If you have any information that can help us understand how this man was hurt and who may have been involved, please contact the incident room” they state.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
This story was amended on March 18 to say that Michael Hunt was from Co Waterford. It originally wrongly stated that he was from Co Wexford.
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