Murder suspect held after Met police called to reports of man on fire

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after police were called to reports that a man was on fire.

Metropolitan police officers attending the scene in Mitcham in south-west London found the body of 23-year-old Loeike Guei.

The Met confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody at a south London police station after being arrested on suspicion of murder and perverting the course of justice on Wednesday afternoon.

Guei, from Thornton Heath in south London, was found dead on Commonside East just after 6am on 17 September, following reports of a man on fire.

A postmortem examination gave a head injury as the preliminary cause of death.

Guei’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Det Ch Insp Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s specialist crime command, is leading the investigation. He said: “Loeike’s family are traumatised and we need the support of the public in bringing the perpetrator to justice.”

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police, including those who may have seen any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area.

Jolley said: “You may have information that may seem insignificant but could prove crucial to our investigation. I urge you to contact us immediately, or tell us what you know via Crimestoppers if you wish. What matters most is that you make the call.

“Loeike’s family have been intensely shocked by the loss of their loved one and are at the very beginning of coming to terms with their grief.

“Foremost in our thoughts are their welfare – they are being supported by specially trained officers and we ask that their privacy is respected at this terribly sad time.”

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, should call police on 101 quoting CAD 1135/17Sep. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.