Appeal to identify a man following two murders in Westminster
Police would like to trace 49-year-old Lee Peacock
Last updated 21st Aug 2021
Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of Lee Peacock, aged 49.
The image has been release following the discovery of two bodies at separate addresses in Westminster.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Mr Peacock are asked to not approach him and contact the police immediately by calling 999.
It's in relation to an incident on Thursday, 19 August, when officers attended an address on Ashbridge Street at around 9.34pm after concerns were raised for the wellbeing of the occupants.
Police attended and found a 45-year-old woman who had suffered a knife injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police were then alerted by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a man with a knife injury at a property in nearby Jerome Crescent in the early hours of Friday morning. (20/8)
Officers attended with paramedics who confirmed that the 59-year-old man was deceased.
Both next of kins have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
Formal identifications are yet to be confirmed.
There has been no arrest at this time.
A homicide investigation, led by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, has been launched.
DCI Jolley, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We can only begin to imagine what they are going through.
“At this early stage we are retaining an open mind concerning motive, but at this stage we are treating these crimes as linked.
“We are very keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around Ashbridge Street, or Jerome Crescent overnight. No matter how small or insignificant you think your information might be, please do get in touch.”
Police commander for Westminster, Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, said: “We know that local residents will be shocked and troubled by this news.
“Crime scenes are in place in Ashbridge Street and Jerome Crescent and additional police resources and patrols have been deployed throughout the area to provide local reassurance.
“Anyone who has concerns is encouraged to approach patrol officers. To pass on information please call 101.”
Anyone who saw anything suspicious should call 101, giving the reference 7227/19AUG.
Information can also be provided 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
In an update on Saturday afternoon (21/8), Detective Superintendent Luke Marks, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: "I am appealing today for information about the whereabouts of 49-year-old Lee Peacock, who we need to speak to urgently about the murders of two people in Westminster.
"Officers have been working round the clock to track him down and I am asking anybody who sees Lee to call us immediately on 999. I would urge members of the public not to approach him, but instead to call police as soon as possible.
"I believe Lee could have important information about the deaths of two people whose bodies were found at two properties in Westminster on the 19th and 20th of August.
“At around 21:30hrs on Thursday night, a 45-year-old woman was found dead at a residential address in Ashbridge Street, NW8. A few hours later at around 02:15hrs on Friday, the body of a 59-year-old man was found at a property in Jerome Crescent, NW8.
“Whilst we're still awaiting the outcome of post-mortem examinations, both victims had suffered knife injuries. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.
“At this early stage we are retaining an open mind concerning motive, but we are treating these crimes as linked.
“I know this will cause concern among the community but I would like to reassure the public that we have a dedicated team of officers who are tasked with finding Lee. And once again I would like to appeal for anyone who sees him to call 999.