The family of a father-of-five at the focus of a murder inquiry has urged witnesses to come forward.
Wayne Hoskyns, 41, was attacked in Cray Gardens, Crayford, at 4 p.m. on Friday.
When police and paramedics arrived at the park near The Parade Fish Bar on Crayford Way, they found him lifeless.
He was transported to hospital by London’s Air Ambulance, which landed in Hall Place, in critical condition, and died on Saturday afternoon with his family by his side.
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is overseeing the inquiry, said: “We are confident that there are further witnesses who have not yet come forward.
“Wayne was assaulted in broad daylight in Cray Gardens, and we are making headway with the inquiry, but we still need to confirm some specifics. We are especially interested in identifying a male and a female who were in Cray Gardens on Friday afternoon with a pet carrier, potentially containing a small dog.
Mr Hoskyns’ wife said, “We implore you to please come forward if you have any information that will assist police with their investigations. This is a terrible tragedy, and we want justice for Wayne, a beloved husband and father. Our hearts are breaking during this dreadful period.”
His mother stated, “He was a much loved father, son, brother, and uncle.” His family has been saddened by this senseless act and the loss of a young life, and we urge anyone who witnessed anything or has any information to come forward.”
One woman who witnessed emergency services come stated, “Shocking. I just missed it but saw the police arrive from a distance as I was walking to Iceland on the high street.
“How awful for the family. RIEP for the dude. “This is not good for Crayford.”
Another witness stated that there were approximately five police officers remaining on the site as he drove past last night.
He said: “The park was cordoned off by police as I passed by on my way to purchase a curry.
“It’s disturbing and out of character for Crayford, which is generally tranquil.
“I was told the paramedics got into an awaiting police car as the helicopter landed in a field around half a mile from the centre of town.”
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