POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after a man was attacked in a quiet residential street.

Edward Jones, 25, of Bexleyheath, died yesterday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.

Police say he was attacked in Lovel Avenue, Welling, around 1.30am on Sunday.

Mr Jones is believed to have been with friends when they became involved in an altercation with another group in nearby Central Way. Shortly afterwards he was attacked.

Tara Watts, 34, says she was told the man suffered severe head injuries.

Mrs Watts said: "We now don't want our teenage girls to go out.

"If this happened to a man coming out of a pub, I hate to think what would happen to one of our girls."

Fellow resident, Lisa Sumpter, 31, said: "It's a worry and very shocking it happened on your doorstep.

"It's a concern for anyone now who wants to go on a night out."

Doreen Bowker, 69, who has lived in Lovel Avenue for 40 years, said: "I've never heard of anything like this happening in this street.

"I am shocked and the incident has left me quite unnerved."

She added: "I heard a noise at about 5am but I didn't know anything until I saw the road being taped off.

"It's absolutely terrible news. I feel sorry for the man and his family."

Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the Central Way altercation and/or the assault in Lovel Avenue to contact them.

They also want to hear from anyone who was with the victim on Saturday night.

Anyone with information should call Bexleyheath police on 020 8301 1212 and ask for the control room.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

  • On Monday a 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the inquiry. He has been bailed to return to a south London police station in January.