Detectives have arrested a third man as an investigation into Ricky Hayden’s murder continues after he died fighting off a gang of thieves armed with machetes outside his home.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday and remains in custody at an east London police station.

Two other teenagers aged 19 and 16 were arrested in the early hours last Wednesday on suspicion of murder but both were later bailed pending further enquiries.

The 19-year-old who was bailed is due to return on a date later this month, while the 16-year-old is no longer being pursued as a line of enquiry.

Ricky, a Romford doorman, died after he and his 46-year-old dad Paul confronted a gang who were attempting to steal a moped outside their home in Gibbfield Close, Chadwell Heath, in the early hours last Tuesday.

The 27-year-old who worked at Kosho in South Street, was pronounced dead late on Tuesday night. Paul has now been released from hospital.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace a moped that was used by the suspects.

The moped is described as silver or grey, with a large dark coloured box on the rear.

It is believed that the suspects arrived and left the scene on this moped.

Detective chief inspector Andrew Packer, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “I am asking the public for their help to find this moped as it is crucial to the investigation.

“It is possible that it has been abandoned or hidden by the suspects.

“I would ask anyone who has an outbuilding or a lock-up that they don’t frequently use to check whether the moped has been put there.

“There are a number of open spaces and footpaths within the Marks Gate area and I would urge people with local knowledge of the vicinity to keep an eye out for a moped matching the description.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3865. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org