A South London pub has paid tribute to a 'lovable and cheeky' customer who died from head injuries, prompting a murder investigation. Thomas 'Tommy' Carey, 39, of Lambeth, was found with severe head injuries at a home on Poynders Road, Brixton Hill, on Friday, September 4. He died just before emergency services arrived.
Pub tribute to 'big kid at heart'
The Hope Pub in West Norwood posted a tribute on its Facebook page, describing Thomas as a 'lovely customer' and a 'cheeky chap with a smile on his face.' Staff said he was a regular who was often one of the first to arrive each morning.
The tribute read: "One of our lovely customers, Tommy. Known to so many people in this area as the cheeky chap with always a smile on his face. Tommy was a big kid at heart, with an even bigger heart. A lovable character who will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him."
"Every morning, he was one of the first in - a coffee, a BuzzBall and a chat with myself and everyone else who knew and loved him. You genuinely couldn’t say a bad word about Tommy. He was loved by so many. We are shocked, absolutely gutted, and finding it so hard to understand. WHY?? Sleep tight, our lovely Tommy. Our mornings will never be the same without you. You will always be part of the Hope - your second home - and we will make sure you are never forgotten."
Arrests and charges
On Tuesday, September 8, police arrested two men in their 30s on suspicion of murder. A woman in her 30s was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
On Thursday, September 10, Leroy Heffron, 38, of Sangley Road, Catford, was charged with murder and held in custody. The other man was bailed pending further enquiries, and the woman remains in police custody.
Appeal for information
The pub's tribute also appealed for information, stating: "If anyone who knew Tommy thinks they may have any information that could help, however small or insignificant it may seem, please contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 and quote CAD number CAD7021/04SEP26. Any information could be good information and may help us get justice for our Tommy."
The tribute concluded with a personal note: "Fly high, Tommy. You will be missed more than you’ll ever know you actually didn’t realise how loved you were my darling. Thomas John Carey."
