Reward offered in Ian Newtion murder anniversary appeal: Greenford
(UB6 - Monday, 22 March, 2010)

Detectives are releasing CCTV of potential witnesses they wish to trace, one-year on from the murder of Ian Newtion in Greenford.

The footage taken from a petrol station near to the scene at the time of the murder, shows seven people that officers are keen to speak to as they may hold information vital to the enquiry.

A £20,000 reward is still on offer for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of person/s responsible for the murder.

DCI Tim Duffield of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said:

"This is a difficult time for Ian's family and friends and the investigating team remains committed to finding the person or people responsible for Ian's death.

"I would encourage anyone who thinks they have recognised themselves from the CCTV to come forward and speak to police, they may hold information vital to solving this crime but might not have realised the significance of it."

Police were called at approx. 08:50hrs on Mothering Sunday, 22 March 2009 to the body of a man found in a pedestrian underpass at the Greenford Roundabout.

Ian Newtion (pronounced New-shun) (14/1/64 - 45 years) was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ian, aka Scoobie Santino, was a delivery driver and singer from Fulham.

A post-mortem gave cause of death as injury to the throat.

It is still unclear how Ian got from the 'The Scout Hut' in Rockware Avenue, which he left at 07.45hrs after singing at an event, to the underpass where he died.

Officers would like to trace anyone who may have seen him on the Greenford Road or anyone who may have walked through the underpass area between 07:45hrs and 09.00hrs.

Ian was last seen alive by a jogger at the subway exit at approximately 07:55hrs and was described as looking agitated.

He is described as:

• wearing dark trousers, trainers and a dark jacket and a black rag-du (headscarf) on his head

Ian had received a fatal wound to the throat from a broken beer bottle, and a possible robbery motive is a line of enquiry although none of Ian's personal property was missing when he was found.

In the week preceding the murder a small number of robberies, where bottles were used as a weapon, were reported in neighbouring areas.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who knows who has been committing these robberies, or if they were present at a robbery that went too far.

It is also possible that the suspect would have sustained a hand injury from the neck of the bottle, which was smashed in the assault.

Anyone who has had a loved one come home with an unexplained injury, or covered in blood, or come home late on Mother's Day 2009 acting strangely, is asked to call the inquiry team.

Detectives are also still keen to trace a young girl in her teens they previously appealed for to come forward.

She bought a large hydrangea plant at a florist's called 'Making Sense', inside Greenford Tube Station at approximately 09:00hrs on the morning of the murder.

It is believed the plant was purchased for her 'Nan'.

It is likely she then got on a train at the station to go and visit her.

It is also believed that she came to the shop on a pedal bike that she left chained up outside the station.

She is described as:

• white
• approximately 16-20 years old
• approximately 5ft 5inches tall
• of athletic build
• light coloured hair, tied back

Detectives are keen to speak to her as they believe she may have been in the underpass area, where the body was found, prior to visiting the shop and may have information that is vital to the enquiry.

Anyone with any information should contact the incident room on 020 8358 0400.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Note: during the course of this investigation 24 people have been arrested in connection with the murder.

All have subsequently been released, no further action

Police Force: Metropolitan (London)

Address:
Greenford
Middlesex
UB6