Murder investigation launched after man ‘chased by gang with tomahawk’ found dead in London

09 December 2024 , 12:10

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Police are on the hunt for those who killed a 33-year-old man, who has now been named, in a ‘horrific’ West London attack yesterday.

Police were called to Birbeck Road in Acton shortly after 4am on Sunday morning to reports of a fight, where they found a man fatally wounded.

That man has today been identified as 33-year-old Nash Clyne, originally from Grenada, police have confirmed.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the coming days, with officers currently unaware what caused his death.

Witnesses told Metro that they saw a gang of four, wielding an tomahawk axe and broken bottles, chasing a wounded man, now believed to be Mr Clyne, through Acton on Sunday night.

A man was found fatally injured (Credits: UKNIP)

Armed police stormed a property in Birkbeck Road, Acton, in the early hours of Sunday, 8 December, following reports of a disturbance. Officers were called at 4:05 a.m. and arrived with London Ambulance Service paramedics to find a man injured at the scene. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Armed Police Respond To Fatal Incident In Acton Additional Injuries Reported Several other individuals were reportedly injured nearby, with some receiving medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed. Investigation Underway A significant police presence remains in the area as detectives begin their investigation. A large crime scene has been established, with several road closures in place. A police spokesperson acknowledged the disruption to local residents and businesses, stating: "While we recognise the impact this will have on local residents and businesses, it is essential to provide us with the best chance to secure evidence." Appeal for Information Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Call 101, quoting reference 1132/08DEC. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. Further updates will be provided as more details become available. The incident has left the community shocked as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fatal disturbance.

Nash Clyne, a 33-year-old originally from Grenada, was killed in the incident (Credits: UKNIP)

A large police presence remains in the area (Credits: UKNIP)

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie of the Met Police, leading the investigation, said: ‘We are in the early stages of our investigation and my team of experienced detectives is working at pace to establish why Nash was murdered and bring those responsible to justice.

‘We are urging anyone who was in the area or who knows anything about what happened to come forward. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was at the Front Line Cuts barber shop or the Paradise Cuts barber shop, both in Acton High Street, between 22:00hrs on Saturday and 04:30hrs on Sunday.

‘What you know, however insignificant it may seem now, could hold the key to this investigation.’

One witness, a 24-year-old waiter, who called the police, witnesses the ‘horrific attack.’

He said: ‘I was watching a horrific film and then I heard screaming from the street at first I thought it was on the TV. Then I looked out and heard someone shouting “come on, come here.”

‘I looked out and there was a man swinging and running after a middle aged guy. He had an injury above his eyebrow. Others chasing him had bottles. They were really going for him. As they were attacking him I was on the phone to the police describing what was happening.

‘It was so violent I saw another man injured as well. It all seemed to be connected with the barbers.’

Armed Police Respond to Fatal Incident in Acton Armed police stormed a property in Birkbeck Road, Acton, in the early hours of Sunday, 8 December, following reports of a disturbance. Officers were called at 4:05 a.m. and arrived with London Ambulance Service paramedics to find a man injured at the scene. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Additional Injuries Reported Several other individuals were reportedly injured nearby, with some receiving medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed. Investigation Underway A significant police presence remains in the area as detectives begin their investigation. A large crime scene has been established, with several road closures in place. A police spokesperson acknowledged the disruption to local residents and businesses, stating: "While we recognise the impact this will have on local residents and businesses, it is essential to provide us with the best chance to secure evidence." Appeal for Information Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Call 101, quoting reference 1132/08DEC. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. Further updates will be provided as more details become available. The incident has left the community shocked as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fatal disturbance.

The fatally wounded man is said to have succumbed to his injuries on Birbeck Road (Credits: UKNIP)

Three more people were injured (Credits: UKNIP)

Another witness told Metro: ‘There was a birthday party at the barbers. Something happened and it all kicked off. The guy who died wasn’t young, he was an older guy seen like a father figure in the community. People look up to him.’

It is thought that at least three others were injured in the incident, police have confirmed.

The man who was fatally wounded is believed to have been seriously injured on the nearby High Street, before ‘staggering’ onto Birbeck Road where he ultimately died.

A mother of four, 58, told Metro; ‘The incident started outside some shops. Police people locally it was a shooting and that two others were injured.

‘It’s extremely shocking. There were police, some armed everywhere and a police helicopter.’

Another neighbour said: ‘I woke up to police blue lights and shouting. Paramedics seemed to be working on a man. It was horrible.

Monday morning commuters had their journeys significantly affected due to road closures in Acton.

A police spokesperson added on road closures as the investigation unfolds: ‘While we recognise the impact this will have on local residents and businesses, it is essential to provide us with the best chance to secure evidence.’

A huge police cordon remains in place as forensics officers and detectives trawl for clues.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.06am to reports of an incident on Birkbeck Road.

‘We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.

‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, one person died at the scene. Two patients were taken as priorities to major trauma centres.’

James Turner

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Metropolitan Police, Incident, West London