Key Points
- Ashley Malcolm, 39, charged with murder of 86-year-old John Burke.
- Incident began as aggravated burglary on 29 September on Fountayne Road, Hackney.
- John Burke assaulted, hospitalised, discharged the same day, died the following day at home.
- Police investigation escalated to murder after medical evidence reviewed on 22 October.
- Malcolm also charged with robbery and three unrelated burglaries or attempted burglaries.
- Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke leads investigation; public thanked.
- Family receiving specialist support and requests privacy.
Murder charge follows death of elderly man after assault during burglary in Hackney
As reported by Harriet Davies of the Evening Standard, a man named Ashley Malcolm, aged 39, has been charged with the murder of 86-year-old John Burke following an aggravated burglary in Hackney.
What happened during the incident on Fountayne Road?
According to the Metropolitan Police statement issued on 23 October, police were called at 10:06 am on Monday, 29 September to reports of an aggravated burglary at an address on Fountayne Road, Hackney. Officers arrived alongside London Ambulance Service, where they found John Burke had been assaulted. He was treated on-site and then taken to hospital, from where he was discharged later the same day.
However, as reported by Sean Morrison of The Guardian, tragically John Burke died at home the following day, 30 September. Due to this close timing between the assault and his death, police launched extensive enquiries.
How did the police respond after John Burke’s death?
As detailed by Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke in a statement to BBC News, the investigation was swiftly escalated. Once further medical evidence was obtained, the case was reclassified as a murder investigation on Wednesday, 22 October.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Clarke, who heads policing in Hackney, said:
“We understand the community concern surrounding this case in which John very sadly lost his life. Officers worked at pace throughout the investigation and reacted quickly when any new information came to light. John was a much-loved neighbour and my thoughts remain with his family and friends. I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”
Who has been charged in connection with the murder?
Ashley Malcolm (born 29 November 1985), residing on Reighton Road, Hackney, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and murder on Wednesday, 1 October. As reported by Rachel Jackson of The Telegraph, Malcolm was initially released under investigation for the murder offence but was simultaneously charged with robbery and remanded in custody.
He is expected to appear before Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 11 November to answer the charges.
What other offences is Malcolm facing?
The police have linked Malcolm to a series of other burglaries in Hackney. These include:
- A burglary at Gransden Road on Wednesday, 24 September.
- A burglary at Brooke Road on Monday, 29 September.
- An attempted burglary at Stamford Hill, also on Monday, 29 September.
These offences are currently treated as separate and unconnected to the John Burke murder investigation, according to the Metropolitan Police update.
How is John Burke’s family being supported?
Specialist officers are providing ongoing support to John Burke’s family. As highlighted by the Metropolitan Police, the family has requested that their privacy be respected at this very difficult time.
What is the community’s reaction to the case?
Community leaders in Hackney have expressed concern and sadness following the death of a local resident in such tragic circumstances. Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Clarke’s statement underscores the police’s commitment to transparency and swift action, reflecting the seriousness with which this case is being handled.
