A man has been charged with the murder of 87-year-old Thomas O’Halloran, who was stabbed to death on his mobility scooter.
Lee Byer, 44, of Allenby Avenue, Southall, west London, will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court today, after being arrested on Thursday.
Mr O’Halloran was attacked on a road in nearby Greenford on Tuesday afternoon.
Police believe he managed to travel a short distance on his scooter before flagging down a member of the public for help.
He was pronounced dead at the scene – on a street close to the busy A40 – despite the efforts of police and paramedics to save him.
Mr O’Halloran was known for busking outside his local supermarket and Greenford station to raise money for charity, including for Ukraine.
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Mr O’Halloran busks with friends
Police at the scene in Cayton Road, Greenford
He was originally from Ennistymon, Co Clare, in the west of Ireland, and is said to have returned home regularly.
Mr O’Halloran is survived by his family, including his sister, two brothers, nieces and nephews.
Former Labour MP Stephen Pound, who used to represent the Greenford area, paid tribute to the 87-year-old.
“Tom was a real local character. He would be outside Greenford station playing the accordion, occasionally the harmonica,” he told GB News.
“He was a sweet, lovely man… He was well-liked and well-loved, but, above all, he was one of those characters who would cement an area.”
