Murder charge after violence erupts near two west London barber shops

It is believed that at least three other people were injured during the incident

33-year-old Nash Clyne
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 10th Dec 2024

A man has been charged with the murder of 33-year-old Nash Clyne in Acton.

50 year old Benjamin Matthews, of Acton, will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 December charged with murder.

Matthews was arrested on Monday, 9 December.

An investigation was launched after police were called to Birkbeck Road in Acton shortly after 04:00hrs following reports of a fight and possible shots heard. Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

He was found at the scene with serious injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died a short time later. While formal identification is yet to take place, officers are confident he is 33-year-old Nash Clyne, originally from Grenada.

Nash’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A special post mortem examination will take place in the coming days to determine the cause of his death.

Other injuries

It is believed that at least three other people were injured during the incident. None of those injuries are thought to be life threatening but enquiries are still ongoing.

The nature and cause of these injuries, including identifying what weapons may have been used, will form part of the investigation into the incident.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on Monday, 9 December on suspicion of GBH in relation to the wider disorder took place and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: “A team of experienced detectives is working at pace to establish why Nash was murdered and bring those responsible to justice.

“We are urging anyone who was in the area or who knows anything about what happened to come forward. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was at the Front Line Cuts barber shop or the Paradise Cuts barber shop, both in Acton High Street, between 22:00hrs on Saturday and 04:30hrs on Sunday.

“What you know, however insignificant it may seem now, could hold the key to this investigation.”

The public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers continue what is a comprehensive investigation. While some of the cordons have now been lifted, others will remain in place for the time being to provide us with the best chance to secure important evidence.

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