Murder charge after man dies from injuries

A man has been charged with the murder of 86-year-old John Burke.

Ashley Malcolm, 39 (29.11.1985), of Reighton Road, Hackney, will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 11 November.

On Monday, 29 September at 10:06hrs police were called to reports of an aggravated burglary with a man assaulted at an address on Fountayne Road, Hackney.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated John before taking him to hospital. He was discharged from hospital later that day.

Tragically, John died the following day at home. Due to the close timing of the assault and his death, officers conducted extensive enquiries. After police sought further medical evidence, the case became a murder investigation on Wednesday, 22 October.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the area, said: “We understand the community concern surrounding this case in which John very sadly lost his life.

“Officers worked at pace throughout the investigation and reacted quickly when any new information came to light.

“John was a much-loved neighbour and my thoughts remain with his family and friends. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”

Malcolm was arrested on suspicion of burglary and murder on Wednesday, 1 October. He was released under investigation for the murder offence but charged with robbery and remanded in custody, where he remains.

He was also charged with three separate, unconnected burglaries and attempted burglaries in Hackney.

These include a burglary at Gransden Road on Wednesday, 24 September. The other two incidents occurred on Monday, 29 September, a burglary at Brooke Road and attempted burglary at Stamford Hill.

John’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this very sad time