02/02/2009

Man In Court Over Boxer Death

A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a boxer who was stabbed to death in front of his young daughter.

John Abbey, 26, originally from Ghana, died from a single stab wound to the heart after he was attacked at a bus stop in Croydon on Thursday, in front of his three-year-old daughter.

He had been travelling to visit his wife and newborn son in hospital when he was murdered.

Charles William Acquaah, 22, of Greenside Road, Croydon, south London, appeared in court today.

He was remanded in custody by chairman of the magistrates bench Cindy Barnett to appear at the Old Bailey on May 11.

Police have also arrested two other men aged 36 and 39 in connection with his death, on Sunday.

DCI Cliff Lyons, of Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "This was a shocking attack in a public place in the early evening.

"The victim's three year-old daughter was with him when he was attacked, though fortunately she wasn't physically injured.

"A number of witnesses have already come forward but I believe there are still people with information we need to speak to and I urge those people to get in touch."

Police have also appealed for an Asian woman who gave Mr Abbey first aid to come forward, as well as two teenage boys who were at the bus stop when the alleged attack took place.

(JM/BMcC)

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