1:40pm Tuesday 3rd November 2009
By Thais Portilho-Shrimpton
A ninth person has been arrested in connection with Ben Gardner’s murder in Sutton.
The 20-year-old man is currently in custody at a south London police station, along with two other 20-year-old men, also arrested in connection with the murder investigation.
Two other men, a 25-year-old and 21-year-old who were also arrested have been bailed pending further enquires.
Four other people arrested - two men aged 24 and 25, and two women, aged 25 and 26, have been released with no further action.
Ben Gardner, 30, had left a Halloween party with girlfriend Allanna Devine, 28, from Morden, and was walking her home along Throwley Way, Sutton, at about 3.30am on Sunday when a group of yobs took her witch’s hat from her head.
Mr Gardner asked for the hat back, but was punched and kicked to the ground, where he was left unconscious.
Miss Devine was also punched by the gang.
Police officers and London Ambulance Service were called to Throwley Way, Sutton at 3.34am, but Mr Gardner died later that day from severe head injuries at St Helier hospital.
Officers now continue to appeal for witnesses and information.
Detective Inspector Bob Campany said: "Although it was 3.30am in the morning there were a lot of people in the area at the time of the incident as the local clubs were closing.
"We would like any information from witnesses who may have been on Throwley Way at the time.
"This appears to be a violent unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was out enjoying Halloween night with his girlfriend."
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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