Investigation launched following death in Forest Gate

An investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Forest Gate.

Police were called at 15:52hrs on Tuesday, 25 November to Palmerston Road, Forest Gate after reports of a fight.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and found a man in his 50s unresponsive.

He was taken to hospital where he sadly passed away on Thursday, 27 November.

He has since been named as Franklin Francis, 56, from Newham.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Two men, aged 56 and 24, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remain on conditional bail as enquiries continue.

Mr Francis' family said: "Franklin was a loving member of the family whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew him.

"His absence leaves a void that can never be filled. We will miss him dearly every single day."

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads on policing in the local area, said: “We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with Franklin’s family and friends. We are doing everything we can to find out who is responsible and have made two arrests as part of our investigation.

“I’d also like to thank the members of the public who helped the victim until officers and paramedics arrived on the scene.

“We understand this incident will cause concern within the local community and want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting CAD4783/25Nov. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.