deldaley
28-01-2008, 04:31 PM
Three women and girl, 14, arrested after man 'beaten and stabbed to death' over child's football
A father was stabbed with a Samurai sword and beaten to death in front of his seven-year-old son, while trying to protect his son from a gang of bullies.
And in a bizarre twist of fate the killing was almost identical to that of HIS father, who was beaten to death while protecting him 23 years ago, according to a family friend.
David Martin, 40, was killed last night after he tried to stop a group of youths from picking on his son during a game of football outside his house in Mitcham, South London.
He was attacked by a group armed with cricket bats, golf clubs, cricket bats and a sword, and was beaten to death in front of the young footballers, according to witnesses.
A blue tent covers the spot where David Martin died in front of his children
Tragically, residents living nearby said Mr Martin's father died in EXACTLY the same circumstances almost 23 years ago.
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_05/DavidMartinDH_468x261.jpg
An elderly witness to last night's gruesome attack, who did not want to be named, said: "I have known David since he was a little boy. He was a lovely, decent bloke always doing good in the community. Everyone around here loved him.
"He was a hard grafter and a kind man. I am just so shocked - it's absolutely devastating because his dad died 23 years ago, exactly the same way.
"There were a gang of boys after David, and his dad saw them having a go at him. He intervened but they all turned on him with a metal bar, killing him.
"David saw his dad die in front of him and now his son has seen David die in front of him.
"I can't believe this tragedy has happened twice to the same family."
Forensics experts collect evidence to aid the investigation into David Martin's death
Mr Martin, a windowcleaner, has lived in the area all his life and leaves behind wife Angela, 39, two daughters and his son, who is thought to be aged seven. The family were keen Fulham Football Club supporters and may have been season ticket holders.
Another witness said: "It was awful. A man has lost his life, all for a nothing argument.
"I heard this big row outside, screaming and shouting. When I looked out I couldn't believe what I was seeing. There were people with golf clubs, cricket bats, metal poles and the Samurai sword all attacking him.
"They were going crazy. It was horrific and David didn't stand a chance.
"I just can't get over what has happened. This is a nice area. Things like this don't happen here."
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I heard lots of screaming and shouting. I looked out of my window and saw two men fighting each other in the road. There were a few people out there and they all had sticks or poles.
"I saw someone get hit over the head with a cricket bat. I heard this morning that he died in his own front garden."
Police said today that five people - including a 14-year-old girl and a woman in her 60s - had been arrested in connection with the killing.
A police spokesman said he collapsed with serious injuries in the front garden of a semi-detached house in Rutter Street at 7.10pm.
Neighbours said Mr Martin and his family lived around the corner from the scene of the attack.
A woman suffering minor injuries and shock was taken to St Heliers Hospital, Surrey. She is in a stable condition.
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_05/DavidMartin1DH_468x513.jpg
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We believe we know his identity but await confirmation that all next of kin has been informed. He has yet to be formally identified."
A post mortem is due to be carried out on the victim later today.
All five people arrested in connection with the incident are in custody.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the disturbance in Rutter Gardens, Mitcham, around 7.10pm on Sunday evening, to contact police.
"We retain an open mind regarding motive at this stage."
The shocking attack is the latest in a long line on Britain's streets. One victim was Garry Newlove, who was beaten to death outside his home.
A father was stabbed with a Samurai sword and beaten to death in front of his seven-year-old son, while trying to protect his son from a gang of bullies.
And in a bizarre twist of fate the killing was almost identical to that of HIS father, who was beaten to death while protecting him 23 years ago, according to a family friend.
David Martin, 40, was killed last night after he tried to stop a group of youths from picking on his son during a game of football outside his house in Mitcham, South London.
He was attacked by a group armed with cricket bats, golf clubs, cricket bats and a sword, and was beaten to death in front of the young footballers, according to witnesses.
A blue tent covers the spot where David Martin died in front of his children
Tragically, residents living nearby said Mr Martin's father died in EXACTLY the same circumstances almost 23 years ago.
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_05/DavidMartinDH_468x261.jpg
An elderly witness to last night's gruesome attack, who did not want to be named, said: "I have known David since he was a little boy. He was a lovely, decent bloke always doing good in the community. Everyone around here loved him.
"He was a hard grafter and a kind man. I am just so shocked - it's absolutely devastating because his dad died 23 years ago, exactly the same way.
"There were a gang of boys after David, and his dad saw them having a go at him. He intervened but they all turned on him with a metal bar, killing him.
"David saw his dad die in front of him and now his son has seen David die in front of him.
"I can't believe this tragedy has happened twice to the same family."
Forensics experts collect evidence to aid the investigation into David Martin's death
Mr Martin, a windowcleaner, has lived in the area all his life and leaves behind wife Angela, 39, two daughters and his son, who is thought to be aged seven. The family were keen Fulham Football Club supporters and may have been season ticket holders.
Another witness said: "It was awful. A man has lost his life, all for a nothing argument.
"I heard this big row outside, screaming and shouting. When I looked out I couldn't believe what I was seeing. There were people with golf clubs, cricket bats, metal poles and the Samurai sword all attacking him.
"They were going crazy. It was horrific and David didn't stand a chance.
"I just can't get over what has happened. This is a nice area. Things like this don't happen here."
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I heard lots of screaming and shouting. I looked out of my window and saw two men fighting each other in the road. There were a few people out there and they all had sticks or poles.
"I saw someone get hit over the head with a cricket bat. I heard this morning that he died in his own front garden."
Police said today that five people - including a 14-year-old girl and a woman in her 60s - had been arrested in connection with the killing.
A police spokesman said he collapsed with serious injuries in the front garden of a semi-detached house in Rutter Street at 7.10pm.
Neighbours said Mr Martin and his family lived around the corner from the scene of the attack.
A woman suffering minor injuries and shock was taken to St Heliers Hospital, Surrey. She is in a stable condition.
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_05/DavidMartin1DH_468x513.jpg
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We believe we know his identity but await confirmation that all next of kin has been informed. He has yet to be formally identified."
A post mortem is due to be carried out on the victim later today.
All five people arrested in connection with the incident are in custody.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the disturbance in Rutter Gardens, Mitcham, around 7.10pm on Sunday evening, to contact police.
"We retain an open mind regarding motive at this stage."
The shocking attack is the latest in a long line on Britain's streets. One victim was Garry Newlove, who was beaten to death outside his home.