Almost precisely a year after the killing of Liam Dent in Chessington, police have released a renewed appeal for information in their search for those responsible.
On Thursday (July 23), the Met Police renewed their call for information in the murder case, including a statement in which Liam's family described the impact of his death on their wellbeing.
"This Sunday will mark one year since the murder of a young man who was dragged to his death in Chessington.
"Ahead of the first anniversary, detectives are renewing appeals for witnesses to the murder of 25-year-old Liam Dent.
"They believe that there are still people with information regarding that night who are yet to come forward," a spokesperson for the Met Police said.
As the Surrey Comet reported last year, in the early hours of the morning of July 26 emergency services rushed to the scene of the collision that killed Liam on Moor Lane in Chessington.
Detective Inspector Garth Hall, from Specialist Crime, described the events that lead to Liam's death in the Met's renewed appeal: “Liam had been out enjoying a summer’s evening with his friends in Chessington and was on his way home when he was killed.
“Liam was deliberately struck by a Ford SMAX and dragged half a mile – he did not stand a chance.
"His death has left an unfillable gap in his family, and we are still unable to explain to them why this happened," he said.
Commenting on the murder investigation back in 2019, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard, Specialist Crime, described it as "one of the most horrific and callous incidents I have ever come across where the driver of the vehicle (Ford S Max) has left the victim to die in the road where he was found by his friends."
Liam's family meanwhile issued a statement describing the impact his passing had had on them almost one year later.
"I know that there were lots of people there who saw what happened and I know how scared people are to come forward but this is a callous crime. I don’t have any doubt that this person will do it again.
“Two children have lost their father; I have lost my son. It is complete devastation for all the family," Liam's mother Stacey said.
“The thought of the attacker getting away with this is too much for me. We want justice so that we can move on with our lives.
“One person coming forward could make the difference between this person being convicted or being free to do the same to someone else’s family member," she added.
Maisie Johnson, Liam’s partner, said: “I urge anyone to come forward if they have any information. My children have lost their father and I have lost my soul mate.”
CCTV images obtained by the police showed three scenes related to the case. In the first, Liam is seen walking with friends near Rhodrons Avenue in Chessington shortly before his murder. The second shows footage of the two vehicles a Ford S Max and black BMW used by the suspects travelling in convoy shortly before Liam is struck.
The third depicts a Volvo V40 travelling along Cox Lane, which Liam and his friends were in an altercation with shortly before Liam’s death.
This car was later found burnt out on Alexandra Road in Epsom.
A total of 10 people – aged between 17 and 22 years old – have been arrested as part of the investigation.
They were arrested on suspicion of offences including murder and perverting the course of justice; they all currently released under investigation.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, should call the Met's incident room number on 020 8721 4622 or 101, quoting reference Cad 96/26Jul19.
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