Hayes murder investigation: Man strangled to death in ‘vicious assault’ in London street

Police appeal for witnesses and search for two people seen with victim before attack

Baljit Singh has been formally identified as the man who was found strangled to death in an alleyway in west London (Metropolitan Police)

A murder investigation has been launched after a 37-year-old man was strangled to death in a “vicious assault” in west London.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to Station Road in Hayes shortly before 11pm on Saturday to a report of an unresponsive man who had been found in an alleyway.

The victim has been formally identified as Baljit Singh and his next of kin have been told of his death, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Singh, who is believed to have lived locally, was pronounced dead where he was found.

A post-mortem examination held at Fulham mortuary on 27 April found the cause of death was compression to the neck.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses who may have information about the killing to come forward.

The Metropolitan Police said it wanted to trace two people who were seen with Mr Singh just prior to his death.

It is thought that a disagreement may have taken place and led to the assault.

“Mr Singh was subjected to a vicious assault, the severity of which has caused him to lose his life,” DCI Helen Rance, who is leading the investigation, said.

“My officers are working through hours of CCTV footage and speaking with people in the area to establish what has happened and identify those responsible.”

She added: “I would like to appeal directly to anyone who was in the vicinity of Station Road, Hayes from around 10pm onwards on Saturday night who may have seen the victim in company with two individuals.”

Police have said they are also seeking information on Mr Singh’s movements earlier on the day of the assault.

Anyone with information on the incident should call 101 or contact the police incident room on 020 8721 4266, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.