Father-of-two who died after fight ‘regularly confronted drug dealers’

Ian Tomlin's father described him as a man who 'never had a problem with anyone and wouldn't start fights'

The former boxer died after a fight outside a block of flats in Battersea (Google Maps)

A parent who died after a mass brawl by his flat frequently confronted drug dealers on the estate, his father has said.

Ian Tomlin was named locally as the 46-year-old killed in Battersea, south-west London, after police were called to a group fighting in a communal area at about 5.30pm on Wednesday.

After Scotland Yard launched a murder investigation, official figures showed a 14 per cent increase in police-recorded homicide offences, from 630 to 719 in a year.

Medics battled to save the man's life at the scene in Charlotte Despard Avenue, but he was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.

His father, Cecil Tomlin, 84, paid tribute to him as a "great father" and as a man who "never had a problem with anyone and wouldn't start fights".

"There were always drug dealers hanging outside his home smoking - he told them to move on because his kids live there," he told the Evening Standard.

"Maybe that started an argument. He was worried for his kids."

Scotland Yard said the victim was "found with injuries after having been assaulted", and a post-mortem examination will take place.

All suspects had fled before police arrived, officers said.

Press Association