Man Dies After Challenging Car Thief in Erith
A murder investigation is underway after a 51-year-old man died following a horrific attack outside his home in Erith. Marc Allen was left fighting for his life for a month after confronting a suspected car thief who was trying to steal his vehicle.
Brutal Attack on Doorstep
Police were called just before 3am on Sunday, 29 December 2019, to reports of an injured man on Peareswood Road. Officers found Mr Allen with serious head injuries and rushed him to Kings College Hospital. He remained in a coma for weeks, but sadly died on 29 January.
Detectives believe Mr Allen went outside his home to stop a man stealing his grey Mercedes GLA from the driveway. The suspect, who was inside the car, reportedly drove at Mr Allen deliberately, hitting him and forcing him over the bonnet before fleeing the scene.
Suspect Arrested After Car Recovery
The stolen Mercedes was found on 31 December 2019 in the E14 area, near Bronze Age Way in Erith, where it had been abandoned for hours. On 7 February, police arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of murder and burglary. He remains in custody.
Investigation Ongoing – Police Appeal for Witnesses
“This was a brutal and callous attack on an innocent man on his own doorstep,” said Detective Inspector Jason Fitzpatrick of Specialist Crime South. “For simply defending his property, Mr Allen has paid the ultimate price, with his life. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this time.”
“We are trying to find out how the suspect got access to the car keys. Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the car being driven in the area is urged to come forward.”
