Paddington Murder Investigation Launched

Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Paddington.

The body of Michael Walser, 45, was discovered at his flat in Gloucester Terrace W2 on Sunday 24 June 2012.

A post-mortem gave the cause of death as a head injury.

Mr Walser, sustained the head injury five days earlier on 19 June when he was robbed of £100 cash in the Church Street/Salisbury Street area of NW8 at approximately 10.28hrs.

Mr Walser had just got the money out of a cash point in Edgware Road and had turned into the Church Street/Salisbury Street area when he was approached from behind by a white male [no further description] and pushed to the ground, hitting his head.

Mr Walser was wearing a long dark blue mac when he was attacked.

An incident room has opened at Hendon under Acting Detective Chief Inspector Andy Manning (SC&O Command).

DCI Andy Manning said: "This was an unprovoked, senseless attack on an innocent man. I appeal to anyone with information that may assist police, or who knew Mr Walser, to contact the incident room."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 ; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On 28 June a 26-year-old man [A] was arrested in connection with the enquiry and taken to a west London police station. He has subsequently been bailed pending further enquiries.

(GK)