Police in London are looking to speak to anyone who was in or around Tower Hamlets Cemetery park from 10pm on 15th August until 7am on the morning of 16th August to assist in their investigation into the murder of Ranjith Kankanamalage, 50, known as “Roy”.
A 36 year old man has been arrested and bailed for the attack which left Mr Kankanamalage dead as a result of a blunt force trauma to the head.
Police officers will be in the park this weekend to hand out leaflets appealing for witnesses to the attack and to talk to anyone from the local LGBTQ+ community who may have known Mr Kankanamalage.
Detective Superintendent Pete Wallis said: “We are keen to understand the community that Roy chose to live in, and we are reaching out to various advisory groups including the LGBT community so we can learn to understand that community and so we can engage with them, and hopefully gain their confidence.”
He continued, “We’re looking to identify those witnesses who may have seen the victim in the park, and we’ve issued a photograph of him, but also who may have known the victim in the community.”
Police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as a homophobic hate crime but are keeping an open mind pending further investigation. Specialist officers are supporting Mr Kankanamalage’s family and LGBT charity Galop is keeping the local community updated.
If you have any information which may help the investigation call 0208 345 3865, 101, or Tweet MetCC quoting 1277/16. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
