Update: Man dies after street row

1:13pm Tuesday 14th August 2007

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A 23-year-old man has died eight days after suffering serious head injuries during an argument in the street.

Turkish-born Evren Anil was travelling in the front seat of a black Peugeot when it pulled up at a set of traffic lights in Central Hill, Upper Norwood.

It is believed Mr Anil, of Hancock Road, Upper Norwood, got out of the car to confront two youths who had walked past and thrown rubbish through the open passenger window at around midday on Sunday, August 5.

One of the youths produced a knife and threatened a passerby who tried to come to Mr Anil's aid.

Police say Mr Anil was punched or stabbed in the face and fell to the floor. He was taken to King's College Hospital suffering from serious head injuries. He died yesterday.

A postmortem examination is being carried out at Greenwich mortuary this afternoon.

Earlier reports suggesting that Mr Anil may have been involved in a road rage incident have been ruled out by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, which is leading the investigation, said: "This was an excessive use of violence by two youths who apparently attacked Mr Anil because he dared to challenge their behaviour. He never recovered from the injuries he sustained that day and leaves behind a family trying to come to terms with their loss.

"The incident happened on a Sunday lunchtime in a very busy part of south-east London. I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area, either on foot or in a car, maybe in the queue around the black Peugeot that Mr Anil was travelling in, or maybe shopping at one of the many retail units in this area."

The two suspects are described as black and in their late teens.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident. All five have been bailed to return to a south London police station pending further inquiries. No one has been charged.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police on 020 8721 4205, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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