Homelands Drive Crystal Palace incident: Man charged with murder

Ion Radu was found unresponsive by a member of the public in Homelands Drive just before 9.30am on June 1.

After police responded to Efra Court car park, the 46-year-old Romanian was pronounced dead.

Picture of Ion Radu (Image: Metropolitan Police)

Kiiran Andrew Hibbert-Gordon, of Sylvan Hill, SE19, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday (June 3).

The 23-year-old will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today (June 5), charged with murder and with possession of an offensive weapon.

Police enquiries are now underway to trace and notify his next of kin.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of Ion’s death as a stab wound to the liver.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating the murder of Ion Radu in Croydon have charged a man.

“Kiiran Andrew Hibbert-Gordon, 23, (16/12/1999) of Sylvan Hill, SE19 was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, 3 June.

“He will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 5 June, charged with the murder of Ion Radu and with possession of an offensive weapon.

“A murder investigation was launched after the body of 46-year-old Ion, a Romanian national, was found in a carpark in Homelands Drive, Croydon on Thursday, 1 June.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives.

“A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a stab wound to the liver.

“Anyone who may have had contact with Ion recently is urged to get in touch with officers, who continue to work tirelessly to build a picture of his life in London.

“If you have information please call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01jun.

“To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.”