Man found dead yards from Stamford Bridge before Chelsea v Manchester United game has been named
The victim at the centre of a murder investigation who died yards from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground has been identified.
A 54-year-old-man was found with head injuries has been named as James Dowdell, though formal identification is yet to take place
Police were called at around 6.50pm on February 17 to St Mark’s Grove, little more than an hour before the Blues were beaten 2-0 by visitors Manchester United.
Paramedics reported they had been called to an unresponsive man inside a property and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The property is less than 150 yards from the south entrance of the ground, where the game between the two big rivals kicked off at 8pm, 70 minutes after the 999 call.
A 47-year-old-man, who was present at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at a central London police station.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends, who are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.
“Whilst we have already made an arrest in connection with his death, I would continue to urge anyone with any information to come forward and share what they know.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who was in the vicinity of St Mark’s Grove at the time and believes they may have seen something, is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
