Reward offered in Ian Newtion murder investigation: Greenford
(UB6 - Friday, 1 May, 2009)

Detectives investigating the murder of Ian Newtion in Greenford on Mothering Sunday, 22 March 2009, are releasing new information and offering a £20,000 reward on tonight's BBC Crimewatch Programme at 21.00, 30/4/09.

Acting DCI Lee Presland from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command will be in the studio to give an update on the investigation and appeal for information and witnesses.

A reconstruction will show Ian's final moments as he entered the underpass at the Greenford Roundabout where he was killed after leaving a nearby event that he sang at.

He was subsequently found in the underpass by a member of the public at 08:50 and pronounced dead at the scene.

Ian, 45 (14/1/64), from Fulham, was also known by the stage name Scoobie Santino and worked as a delivery driver and singer.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw Ian leave Rockware Avenue at approximately 07:45 or on the Greenford Road in the area of the roundabout.

Was he walking? Was he on his own? Or was he given a lift by someone?

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

He was wearing:

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

Just before the last sighting of Ian, a group were seen in the area under the roundabout where the various subway exits converge.

They are described as a group of black males aged between 16-20 years old, wearing hooded tops.

Police are keen to speak to this group as they might hold information vital to the enquiry.

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.

Information given would be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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 acting strangely, is asked to call the inquiry team.

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

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A/DCI Lee Presland said:

"The investigation is progressing and enquiries are on-going in relation to the murder. Ian's family, friends and fans miss him terribly and I would ask that anyone who has information that will help the inquiry to call us.

"Any information given will be treated in confidence and a substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of person/s responsible for the murder."

During the appeals on Crimewatch interviews will also be screened with Ian's family, including his daughter Jade, aged 21, who has not previously spoken publicly about her fathers death.

Note: two men [A&B] were arrested in connection with the inquiry at their home address on 25 March 2009. They were subsequently de-arrested.

A 17 year old boy [C] and an 18 year old man [D] were arrested on suspicion of murder on 2 April 2009. [C] was bailed to return on a date in May and [D] was no further actioned.

Ten further arrests were made on 30 April 2009 on suspicion of murder, all currently remain in custody at West London police stations, [E] aged 15 years; [F] aged 17 years; [G] aged 14 years; [H] aged 15 years; [I] 15 years; [J] aged 17 years; [K] aged 14 years; [L] aged 16 years; [M] aged 15 years; and [N] aged 15 years.

Police Force: Metropolitan (London)

Address:
Greenford Roundabout
Greenford
Middlesex
UB6