David Oliver (pictured) is the victim of the stabbing
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing a 74-year-old bed-ridden grandfather to death at his home.
The suspect, who was known to the deceased, was arrested yesterday morning at the property he shared with victim David Oliver and his wife Sue in Mottingham, south London.
Mr Oliver, who had been a handyman and painter and decorator before suffering a stroke three years ago, was pronounced dead at the scene.
He and his wife had apparently taken in the suspect a couple of months ago. But Mr Oliver’s health had deteriorated and he was largely confined to his room.
Neighbours today told how the suspect was led out of the three-floor home just after midday yesterday by police.
He is also thought to have his own flat in Kent but had been most recently living with his relates.
The suspect, who was known to the deceased, was arrested yesterday morning at the property he shared with victim David Oliver and his wife Sue in Mottingham, south London
Mr Oliver, who had been a handyman and painter and decorator before suffering a stroke three years ago, was pronounced dead at the scene (pictured today)
A family friend, who asked not to be named, said: ‘David was a lovely man, he was a real gentleman and would help you out any way he could.
‘He’d not been in the best of health recently after having a stroke about two or three years ago and he was mostly bed-ridden.
‘I always suspected that the suspect had suffered mental health issues in the past, although I can’t be sure as to whether he was ever treated for them in hospital.
‘From what I gather he’d moved into a flat somewhere in Kent but was now living with David and Sue.
‘A friend of mine who lives close to them saw him being arrested and put into the back of van late morning/early afternoon yesterday.
‘The police are saying that David was stabbed. It was a really nasty attack on someone who was a lovely person.
‘I don’t know what caused it, I’ve not heard about a big argument. It’s shocking and an awful thing to happen.’
He and his wife had apparently taken in the suspect a couple of months ago. But Mr Oliver’s health had deteriorated and he was largely confined to his room
Neighbours today told how the suspect was led out of the three-floor home just after midday yesterday by police
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police were this morning carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
One local resident said: ‘I didn’t know the man who was killed but from speaking to an officer this morning I gather the victim was living in the same house as the man they arrested.
‘This is a very quiet road so to see so many police cars and paramedics outside yesterday was rather chilling. I didn’t have much sleep last night thinking about it.’
Another neighbour said: ‘David was one of the nicest fellas you could meet. He and his wife Sue were lovely.
‘He suffered a stroke a few years ago while putting the Christmas lights up and collapsed on the floor.
‘Gradually he became more and more poorly and was bed-bound for a lot of the time. I think he also had COPD. He wasn’t a well man.
‘Bet despite it all, he always remained a positive person who didn’t let his ill health get him down. He maintained a happy-go-lucky outlook on life.’
Scotland Yard said officers were called by paramedics to an address in West Park, Mottingham, at about 11.50am yesterday where they found a 74-year-old man suffering knife wounds.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police were this morning carrying out door-to-door enquiries
He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.25pm. His next of kin are aware.
The 23-year-old suspect, who officers say knew the victim, was arrested at the scene and taken to a south London police station, where he currently remains.
Homicide Detectives are investigating led by Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran.
DCI Kieran said: ‘At this very early stage we retain an open mind as to the circumstance surrounding this death, but, I can confirm that we are not seeking any other persons in connection with the incident.’
A crime scene remains in place and officers remain on scene while enquiries continue.
A post-mortem will be scheduled in due course while police await formal identification.