Two arrested on suspicion of murder after London man’s death linked to earlier ‘hook-up app’ rape

A 24-year-old man and 17-year-old girl have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man’s death in his London home was linked to the earlier rape and robbery investigation.

The body of Adrian Murphy, 43, was found in Battersea, south-west London on June 4. A post-mortem could not confirm the cuase of death and items had been stolen from his flat.

Police made the arrests on Wednesday (12 June) after linking Mr Murphy’s death with the rape and robbery of a man in north-east London just days earlier.

The 40-year-old victim, from Walthamstow, believes he was drugged by a man he had invited to his flat in after meeting him on a dating app.

After falling unconcious, he was discovered by a friend and taken to Whipp’s Cross hosptial. He has since been discharged.

Items including mobile phones, laptops and cash had been stolen from his flat.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and theft and later bailed pending further inquiries. A 17-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of murder and theft and has since been released under investigation.

Police believe the two incident are linked and that there may be other victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack, of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We have linked these two incidents through our suspects and our enquiries continue to establish the exact circumstances.

“We know the victim in the Walthamstow incident met the male suspect through a social networking site and we are investigating whether there is a similar connection in Mr Murphy’s death.

The body of Adrian Murphy was discovered in his Battersea home on 4 June. Police are treating the death as ‘suspicious’.

“Both incidents happened over a short period of time and thorough enquiries have led us to make these prompt arrests. However, there is a possibility other offences may have been committed before 30 May.

“Has anything similar happened to you, or someone you know? A meeting arranged online that has led to intoxication, robbery and possibly sexual assault. Please have the confidence to approach my team so we can investigate what happened to you.

“You can also contact third party organisations such as the charity Galop. You will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

He added: “I would also be keen to talk to anyone who saw anything suspicious on the afternoon of 4 June around Lombard Road, anything that looked out of place.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact 101, quoting CAD 6467/4 June, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the charity Galop or via their Shoutline on 020 7704 2040.