Police deny losing control, as two arrested over latest London killing

Scotland Yard has denied it has lost control of London’s streets as the force said two men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering the capital’s latest victim.

The two suspects, in their 40s, were arrested from separate addresses on Thursday on suspicion of the murder of Ian Tomlin, 46, who was killed in Battersea, south-west London on Wednesday.

Police were called to a group fighting in a communal area at about 5.30pm.

The victim – believed to be a driver for the local council – frequently confronted drug dealers on the estate, his father has said.

Scotland Yard confirmed this was one line of inquiry the force was looking into.

Superintendent Peter Gardner, head of the CID at Wandsworth Police, denied that the Metropolitan Police had lost control of the streets.

He said: “I certainly don’t feel it’s like that, but I understand residents’ frustration.

“We will do everything to bring this investigation to conclusion, and justice to those involved, and continue to do so, for all instances like this.

“I don’t feel at all that we’ve lost control of the streets, I think that’s not at all accurate.”

Mr Gardner said there had been previous drug-related problems on the estate.

He would not confirm or deny reports that a gunshot was heard by locals a few weeks previously.

An operation in the area last year saw 54 arrests of people for drugs and other related offences, including possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr Gardner said the recent arrests were made following information passed to the police by the public.

CCTV footage had also been “instrumental” in aiding officers.

He said: “This is a tragic incident and it’s absolutely senseless.

“We will do everything within our power to investigate this fully, bring those responsible to justice and to support the family through this devastating time.”

A post-mortem examination was taking place on Friday.