Detectives investigating the murder of a 60-year-old man in a Hornchurch pub believe his killer went to a chicken shop for food after fleeing the scene.
The victim, known to friends as “Oggy”, was fatally stabbed in JJ Moon’s Wetherspoons, High Street, at about 4.30pm yesterday, and died in hospital at 7.14pm.
No arrests have been made but forensics have today been combing Favorite Chicken and Ribs, St Nicholas Avenue, Elm Park, which has been taped off since last night.
An officer told the Recorder they believe the suspect fled to the takeaway after the incident and they are viewing the shops CCTV footage.
Drinking partners of “Oggy”, believed to be from Cranham, said he was a great man.
A staff member at the International Supermarket opposite JJ Moon’s described seeing customers barricading themselves inside the pub after the attack, as a man smashed the glass in the front door.
He told the Recorder: “This man was outside and he punched the window and was shouting ‘come outside and fight you old ****’. Everyone was trying to shut him out the pub by holding the door. I just thought there had been a fight.
“Then he put his jumper over his head and walked off down Abbs Cross Gardens. He looked about 20-30.”
A cordon has also been set up while forensics comb Abbs Cross Gardens for evidence.
A Wetherspoon spokesman said: “Staff and customers at JJ Moon’s are all deeply shocked by the incident in the pub.
“We pass on our sympathy to the friends and family of the victim. We also praise staff and customers who tried to help the victim before the paramedics arrived.
“We have passed on the CCTV to the police and will assist them in any way we can during their investigation.”
A resident who lives in High Street near JJ Moon’s said he was shocked something like this had happened at such a friendly pub.
“Considering you get people drinking in there from 9am you don’t get much trouble,” he said “You get the odd shouting but that’s it.”
Inquiries continue.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist the investigation should call police on 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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