Picture released of Woolwich murder victim (From News Shopper)

Picture released of Woolwich murder victim

5:04pm Friday 21st November 2008

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THIS is the first picture of 28-year-old David Cooper who was murdered in Woolwich on Wednesday (November 19) in what police believe may have been a homophobic attack.

Police were called to Sir Martin Bowes House, Calderwood Street, at around 2pm after two friends of Mr Cooper reported finding his body.

An ambulance was called to Mr Cooper’s home but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who saw Mr Cooper on Tuesday night through to the early hours of Wednesday morning.

An incident room has opened in Lewisham under Detective Chief Inspector Clive Heys.

Mr Heys said: “David was viciously assaulted and suffered serious head injuries.

“At present we are investigating the possibility that David has died as the result of a homophobic attack. But it should be stressed that we retain an open mind regarding its motive.”

Mr Cooper had met up with friends in Soho, visiting places including Compton’s Bar, Village Bar and GAY, from around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

The last confirmed sighting of him was when he left the Friendly Society bar at around 11pm.

Mr Heys said: "Also at present we do not know how he got home. Therefore we would also like people who were out that evening, but not in that area, to think back to see whether they saw David on public transport, or if you were the taxi driver who gave him a lift home.”

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also call the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender officer for Greenwich on 020 8284 9864, or the Gallop Shout helpline on 020 7704 2040.

Three men were arrested in connection with the inquiry.

Two have been released with no further action and one has been bailed to return next month pending further inquiries.

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