An 87-year-old man was charged today with murder after he was stabbed to death with a scooter.
Thomas O'Halloran was attacked in Greenford, West London shortly after 4pm on Tuesday in a "shocking act" of "gratuitous violence".
44-year-old Lee Byer was arrested today on suspicion of murder, Met Police said.
Thomas is known to have been surrounded by a mob on Western Avenue and mortally wounded with a knife in Tuesday's horrific attack.
He then traveled 75 yards on his scooter to Runnymede.
The victims then sought help from civilians, but were not saved.
Police released CCTV footage of him yesterday of a man fleeing the scene with a knife in his hand.
They urged anyone who knew him to contact him immediately.
The man who filed the appeal was arrested today.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the investigation, said: Image An arrest was made yesterday and the investigation is progressing at a pace.
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Before paramedics arrived, the hero's neighbor rushed to try to save Thomas' life.
Thomas was well-known in the area, often playing bass with an accordion ringing outside the nearby Tesco and train station.
MURDER ARREST
Locals say he performed to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.
Inspiring Footage shows him glistening outside a supermarket while raising money.
While the area gave him the nickname "Mr. I knew him affectionately as "Uncle Tom."
"He's very helpful. If I'm outside cleaning up or have any tools I need, he pops them up.
" He is very kind and nice. He talks to everyone all the time. As soon as he sees you, approach him and he will start talking to you.
Thomas is believed to have been heading to the pub when the attack occurred, according to a friend.
His daughter is too distraught to speak today.
