Man charged almost forty years after murder

By Davina Hyde

Detectives have arrested a man in a 1983 cold case and are appealing for help in tracing relatives of the victim.

Christopher Ainscough, 50, was found dead in Windmill Court in Shoot-Up Hill, North London, with head injuries.

Police believe he was killed between December 2 and December 5 1983.

An investigation was launched at the time but his attacker was never identified.

At the time of his murder the police also attempted to trace his next of kin, but were unsuccessful.

The investigation into Mr Ainscough’s murder has been reopened after someone attended a police station towards the end of 2020, claiming to have knowledge of the incident.

Anthony Kemp, 58, of no fixed address, was charged with murder and has been remanded in custody to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding of the Specialist Crime Command said:“It is nearly 40 years since Christopher Ainscough was murdered and given the significant development in this investigation, we are now putting renewed vigour into identifying his next of kin so we can inform them of this latest news.

“If you knew Christopher or his family circumstances then please get in touch – we want to let his family to know that Christopher remains at the centre of our thoughts and we are doing all we can to get justice for him and his loved ones.”

Anyone that can assist is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8721 4205.