An elderly man was killed in an “unprovoked and despicable” attack outside a train station in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
British Transport Police (BTP) said officers found the victim “seriously injured” outside Harold Wood station in Havering, east London, at around 4.30am.
Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, the victim, who has not been formally identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A man was arrested in connection with this incident and remains in police custody.
“British Transport Police have launched a murder investigation and a man has been arrested,” Metropolitan Police spokesman Haverling said on Twitter.
BTP confirmed the attack was an “isolated incident” and was not looking for other suspects.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said in a statement: “This senseless act of violence is despicable.
“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are satisfied this was an isolated incident, but the station will remain closed while we continue to investigate.”
Superintendent Hutchinson, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “We are aware that BTP investigators believe this is an isolated incident and that a suspect has been arrested and is being held at an east London police station.
“We are not looking for any other suspects at this time.”
There was a heavy police presence on Tuesday afternoon, with roads closed and a number of forensic investigators at the scene.
One police officer was seen leaving the scene with a crutch in an evidence bag.
A railway official on the Elizabeth Line said the victim was an “elderly male” but provided no further information.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.29am today.” [27 February] Report of an incident at Harold Wood Station in Romford.
“We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, rapid response vehicle medics, incident responders, and clinical team managers.
“The first medics arrived on scene within five minutes.
“Very sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”