Anthony Littler, 45, was killed outside East Finchley Tube Station in London at 12.15am on May 1, 1984. After a fresh appeal for information, the Metropolitan Police made an arrest
A 58-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder 40 years after a victim was killed outside a Tube station in London, the Metropolitan Police said this evening.
Anthony Littler, 45, was killed after leaving East Finchley Tube Station in the London Borough of Barnet at 12.15am on May 1, 1984. He was found with head injuries in an alleyway close to East End Road, behind the station, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe the man was killed in a random attack but after nearly 40 years, no one has been charged. The motive for the murder also remains unknown.
Mr Littler, an executive officer at Customs and Excise, was single and lived a short distance from the station. Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police launched an appeal for information surrounding his death.
Today, officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed to a date in January pending further enquiries, the force said.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: “This arrest comes just four days after our latest appeal, and I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information. However, we still need to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to Anthony’s murder.”
Unsolved cases are often reviewed by police forces, but DCI John Neil said he is determined to provide justice for Anthony’s family. His cousin Tricia McClure who lives in Manchester, and is the only known relative of Mr Littler, said: “Anthony was a lovely, kind and gentle man who wouldn’t hurt anyone.
“It is heartbreaking to our family that this happened to him. After all this time, we hope this new investigation puts those responsible behind bars. It won’t bring Anthony back, but it will give us some closure.”
Earlier this week, detectives said they would like to speak to a man who was also victim of a violent assault at the same location just two days before the fatal attack on Anthony. The Met said: “A witness statement taken from a shopkeeper at the time suggests that on April 29, 1984, a man came into Galleon Wine Stores on High Road, N2, with severe facial injuries including a badly bruised black eye.
“He told the shopkeeper he had been assaulted by two young people with a baseball bat outside of East Finchley tube station the previous evening. The victim was never traced, but police believe he could hold key information to help progress their investigation. He was described as having short brown hair, of medium build and around 6ft.”
Police are also hoping to trace the person who made the original 999 call to police at the time of the murder. It was made from a public phone box near East Finchley station but the person did not leave their name or any other details and were never traced by police.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information in connection with their investigation. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the police on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
