The man shot dead in Croydon has been pictured for the first time as detectives investigating the fatal attack have revealed he was at a wake at the time. Anthony Morrison was shot in Imperial Way, near Costco and the Purley Way, at about 5pm on Thursday, June 19.
Met Police officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics rush to help Mr Morrison, 41, but he died at the scene. A forensics tent and large police cordon remained in place between the superstore’s car park entrance and the loading bay of Selco into Friday.
His next-of-kin continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, has today (Thursday, June 26) announced Mr Morrison had attended a funeral at New Testament Assembly in Tooting Bec and then a burial at London Road Cemetery, in Mitcham, earlier on June 19 before going to the wake in Croydon.
Detective Chief Inspector Whitten said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time. It is vital that we further develop our understanding of what happened that day.
“We understand that Anthony was attending a wake at the time of the shooting, and we would implore anyone who was present in Imperial Way that evening, whether at the wake or otherwise, to contact us. Similarly we are keen to speak with anyone who attended a funeral service at New Testament Assembly in Tooting Bec and/or London Road Cemetery, Mitcham, earlier on Thursday, June 19 and might have seen the victim.
“We are determined to get justice for Anthony’s family and friends, and we would ask for the public’s help in doing that by speaking to us or, if they’d prefer, anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Byron Cole, 39, of Gleneldon Road, in Streatham, has been charged with murdering Mr Morrison and being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. A 37-year old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, in charge of policing for Croydon, said: “I am very grateful to my Specialist Crime colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to investigate this matter professionally, securing charges. I’d now appeal to anyone who has any information to contact the team to help them with their investigation.
“I would like to reassure local communities and the wider public that firearm-enabled murders remain very rare in London. Our policing teams will continue to engage with communities across Croydon, providing extra support as required.”
Anyone who has video footage or any other relevant information is asked to contact the Met Police by visiting the Public Portal. Alternatively, you can call 101 quoting CAD 6530/19Jun. To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Sign up to our London Court & Crime newsletter for the latest major court updates and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up HERE
