Oliver Dearlove: Man arrested over 'single punch murder' of banker in Blackheath

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder by police investigating the death of a banker feared to have been killed by a single punch.

Oliver Dearlove, 30, died after allegedly being hit by a man while waiting for a taxi after a night out in Blackheath in south-east London on Sunday.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of his killing and of actual bodily harm on Thursday morning, police said.

Mr Dearlove, from Eltham, had been in a bar with friends in Montpelier Vale earlier in the night before heading to Tranquil Vale, where they are believed to have started speaking to a group of women.

The suspect is alleged to have approached the group, before attacking one of Mr Dearlove's friends and then striking him at around 12.45am.

The relationship manager at Duncan Lawrie Private Bank died in hospital.

A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of his death as a head injury.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling said: "Our investigation is continuing and we've made huge progress in identifying key witnesses and recovering vital CCTV.

"However, if you were in the area that night and saw something that may help our investigation but haven't yet spoken to us then please call the Incident Room."

Police have asked people to call the Incident Room on 020 8721 4205 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.