£10k reward to catch killer who mowed down dad in Erith

Marc Allen is thought to have challenged a thief who was attempting to steal his car from his driveway on December 29 in Erith, south east London.

Police they believe the suspect inside then deliberately drove towards the dad-of-one, hitting him and flipping him over the top of the car before the driver fled the scene.

Marc was rushed to hospital where he was treated for head injuries, and died from his injuries after spending a month in a coma.

Appearing on BBC One’s ‘Crimewatch Roadshow’ today, Detective Inspector Jason Fitzpatrick once again appealed for the public to help catch a killer who stole the victim’s car and mowed him down.

Marc Allen

DI Fitzpatrick, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “It’s been well over a year since Marc was killed and we are still working to put his killer before a judge and jury and get justice for his family.

“The offer of a reward up to £10,000 remains available to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of his killer and I would urge anyone with this such information to call my team as soon as possible so that we can close this deeply traumatic chapter for Marc’s family.”

Police were called just before 03:00hrs on Sunday, 29 December 2019 to reports of an injured man on Peareswood Road in Erith.

Marc is believed to have challenged a thief who was attempting to steal his car from his driveway. It is understood that the suspect inside of the vehicle deliberately drove towards the father-of-one, hitting him and forcing him over the top of the car, before fleeing the scene.

March was taken to King's College Hospital, where he was treated for head injuries. He remained in a coma for the next month and died from his injuries one month later on Wednesday, 29 January 2020.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was a head injury.

An investigation was launched and on 31 December 2019, the car – a grey Mercedes GLA – was recovered from the E14 area. Officers believe that immediately after the incident, it was left in the vicinity of Bronze Age Way in Erith for a number of hours.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been released under investigation. Detectives continue to hunt are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

DI Jason Fitzpatrick added: “This was a cold-blooded act. For the sake of a stolen car, a man was run down and left helplessly lying in the road. More than anything, we want to find out who is responsible for this and we need those with information to come forward and stop protecting this killer.

“Our enquiries continue and I want anyone who has knowledge to really think about coming forward. Your information could lead to us solving this crime and finally giving Marc’s family a little peace.”

A previous statement from Marc’s family said: “As a family we would wish to start this statement showing the love we have for Marc, he will always be a beloved part of our family and a dear friend to those that had the pleasure of knowing him, Marc is and always will be sadly missed.

"Marc spent two years battling with ill health and making tough decisions that most would struggle to make.

"With all that life dealt him, he battled through and refused to sit back and let life keep him down. Just as things were starting to look brighter and Marc was getting back to his normal routine, the 29 December 2019 happened and those that I can only refer to as cowards attempted to steal his car and this ended with Marc badly hurt.

"The four weeks we spent in King's College Hospital are some of our darkest days as a family, we have had to go through hanging on to the hope that Marc would wake up, which culminated with our parents having to make the heart wrenching decision that the 29 January 2020 will be the day we say goodbye.

"The emotions that come with grief are a part of life we all must endure at some point, losing Marc in the way we have, brings a level of grief that no one could have prepared us for.

"As a family we cried for Marc, as individuals we cried with and supported those in pain around us. There is a wound we all carry now that will never fully heal, but with every day, we get stronger, we help each other to smile a little more and appreciate the memories we have of him.

"Many of the family thank Marc for his parting gift of bringing us back to each other before life got in the way."

They continued: "Although a year has passed by, we still hang on to hope that Marc will get some justice. We also wish to pay tribute, thanking those that shone a light and supported us, family, friends and strangers alike, the amazing staff of the Golden Jubilee ward at King's College Hospital for the dignity and respect they gave Marc and the kindness they showed the family at such a difficult time.

"The first responders and the air ambulance for the care they gave to Marc when he needed it most. The police for the effort and support they have given from the start and in all they are doing to bring justice to Marc.

"I think it is only fitting Marc has the last words which he posted 10 days before his long sleep: ‘My family is my Greatest Gift we are not perfect, but I love them with all my heart’.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Specialist Crime South on 020 8721 4622. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reward expires at 2359hrs on 22 June 2021.

+ On Friday, 7 February 2020, [A] a 27-year-old man was arrested in E14 on suspicion of murder and burglary. He has been released under investigation.

+ On Thursday, 28 May, [B] a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been released under investigation.

+ A 21-year-old man [C] was arrested on suspicion of murder after voluntarily attending a south London police station on Thursday, 24 December. He was released under investigation.