London's Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of an 85-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a fellow patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Andrew Farmer, from Ealing in west London, sustained serious injuries during the incident on September 18 and died a week later on September 25, according to police statements released Wednesday.
The investigation centers around an altercation between two patients at the west London hospital, with authorities confirming that 70-year-old Anatoliy Podmazko, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm on September 20. Podmazko is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 as the case progresses from initial charges to a full murder investigation.
Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time. We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation." The police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and subsequent death.
Andrew Farmer's partner of 60 years, Paul Wrigley, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as "my partner through thick and thin for 60 years" and noting his academic achievements as "an Oxford First" who had deep interests in opera, Devon topography, and helping the underprivileged. Wrigley remembered Farmer as "scholarly but with a wry sense of humor" in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, concluding with "Rest now, my dear friend."
Two people were killed and three others seriously injured in an attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning. The incident occurred in the Crumpsall area, approximately four miles from Manchester city center, during Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the fatalities following what they described as a "major incident" involving both a vehicle and knife attack.
The suspect, a male, was shot by armed police officers at 9:38 AM and is believed to be deceased, though authorities noted his death "cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues" after discovering "suspicious items on his person." Police were initially called to the scene at 9:30 AM following reports of a car being driven toward members of the public and a stabbing. Among the injured was a man believed to be a security guard at the synagogue.
Authorities have deployed multiple specialized units to the scene, including anti-terrorism personnel, military representatives, and bomb disposal teams. Greater Manchester Police activated the "Plato" protocol, which is used for large-scale attacks including "mobile terrorist attacks." A large number of worshippers who were inside the synagogue at the time of the incident were initially held inside while the immediate area was secured, but have since been evacuated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed being "shocked" by the incident and is cutting short his visit to Denmark, where he was attending a European Political Community meeting, to chair a government Cobra committee meeting in London. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that "additional police assets" will be deployed at synagogues across the country following the attack. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated that the attacker is believed to have died in the incident.