Detectives quiz murder suspect, 42 after 79-year-old man is found dead with head injury in north London
- Anthony Rooks, 79, was found at his home in Holloway, north London on Monday
- He was pronounced dead at the scene of the property in Dalmeny Road
- Police said the victim and the 42-year-old suspect were known to each other
- It is the 13th murder in London since the start of the coronavirus lockdown
- Mr Rooks was described as a ‘local character’ and ‘sociable person’
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a pensioner described was found dead.
Anthony Rooks, 79, was discovered collapsed with a head injury at a property in Dalmeny Road, Holloway, north London at around 7.20pm on Monday.
An ambulance crew was called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 79-year-old pensioner was found dead in north London
Anthony Rooks was discovered collapsed outside at a property at Dalmeny Road in Holloway, north London at around 7.20pm on Monday night
Mr Rook’s next of kin has been informed and a post-mortem examination will be held on Thursday at the Whittington Hospital.
Police said the victim and the suspect were known to each other, but that investigators are keeping an open mind as to motive.
The investigation is being led Chief Inspector Neil John, with support from officers from the Specialist Crime Command Force.
Mr Rooks was known by those who live on Dalmeny Road, with some neighbours describing him as a ‘nice old guy’ and a ‘sociable person’.
Police said that the victim and the suspect were known to each other but investigators are keeping an open mind about a motive
One neighbour said: ‘He was a local character. He’s been around for ages. We knew him as Tony and he was always out on his bike.’
A separate neigbour told the Islington Tribune: ‘When I moved to this place about 10 years ago he was the first person come over and say hi.
‘We would always see him around the street riding his bike. He liked to fix up things and he would go to the Saturday market in Holloway Road pick things up.’
Mr Rook’s tragic death is the 13th murder in London since the coronavirus lockdown began.
Anyone with information can call police on 020 8358 0100, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.