Murder and robbery arrest after man, 87, dies

An 87-year-old man who died after allegedly being robbed near a children's playground in north London "would do anything for anyone", a neighbour has said.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Goodchild Road, Manor House, to a report of a robbery at about 5.53 BST on Tuesday.

London Ambulance Service also attended the scene and the man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died on Thursday and his family have been informed.

A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, robbery, a racially aggravated public order offence and assault on police.

The victim has been named locally as John.

Neighbour Sandra Murphy, 65, said he was a "beautiful, kind man".

"He would do anything for anyone. He was an engineer and he was busy every day, and went out every day - he used to do gardening with his brother," she said.

"He was so loved around here. No-one would have a bad word to say about John."

A police cordon was in place until Friday morning, metres away from the Spring Park playground and the Redmond community centre in Woodberry Down.

Local resident Erzsebet Thomas, 60, said it was "scary" to hear about the man's death.

The hotel worker added: "Now I am very afraid of coming home here because of what happened.

"It's so awful."

Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a horrific incident which very sadly resulted in an innocent man dying. His family are being supported by specialist officers."

He said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death but appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Ch Supt Brittany Clarke said: "We know many people will be very concerned by what has happened and while we have a man in custody, local patrols have been stepped up."

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