Friends in shock after suspected Woolwich homophobic murder (From This Is Local London)

Friends in shock after suspected Woolwich homophobic murder

1:24pm Monday 24th November 2008

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FRIENDS have spoken of their shock and disbelief at the vicious killing of a Woolwich man after a suspected homophobic attack.

David Cooper’s body was found in his home by two friends in Sir Martin Bowes House, Calderwood Street, last Wednesday (November 19).

Emergency services were called but the 28-year-old gay man was pronounced dead at the scene at around 2pm. According to police he had been viciously assaulted and suffered serious head injuries.

Stuart Nolan, of Tarves Way, Greenwich, says he was a close friend of Mr Cooper for the last eight years and is shocked by his death.

The 52-year-old said: “David was full of life and really loved to party. He was a very strong, opinionated young man who would always try and help anyone.

“It is very evident that he was loved by a huge amount of people and all, like me, are in total shock and disbelief that anyone would have harmed David.

“We are all hoping that justice will prevail for his stolen life, then his family and friends may be able to find closure on this terrible tragic event.”

Another friend of Mr Cooper, Rachael Picking, met him at former gay pub The Union Tavern, in Bunton Street, Woolwich, when she lived in the area four years ago.

The 24-year-old now lives in Salisbury and said: “David was a gentle soul who always had a smile on his face.

“I was devastated to hear what happened. I have lots of gay friends and it’s quite worrying to think that they can’t walk out their doors without fear of being attacked.”

A page on a social networking website dedicated to Mr Cooper has so far attracted 178 tributes.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw Mr Cooper on Tuesday night (November 18) through to the early hours of Wednesday morning (November 19).

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Heys is leading the murder investigation.

He said: “At present we’re investigating the possibility that Mr Cooper has died as the result of a homophobic attack. But it should be stressed that we retain an open mind regarding its motive.”

According to police, Mr Cooper met up with friends in the Old Compton Street area of Soho on the Tuesday evening and would like to speak with anyone who saw him or the people he was with.

He visited a number of venues including Compton's bar, Village bar and G-A-Y bar from about 6.30pm that evening.

The last confirmed sighting police have of him is around 11pm when he left the Friendly Society bar.

Mr Heys said: "At present we do not know how he got home. Therefore we would also like people who were out that evening, but not in that area, to think back to see whether they saw Mr Cooper on public transport, or if you were the taxi driver who gave him a lift home."

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call the incident room on 020 8721 4868.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or Galop on 020 7704 2040.

You can also call the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender officer for Greenwich on 020 8284 9864.

Three men were arrested in connection with the inquiry. Two have been released with no further action and one has been bailed to return next month pending further inquiries.

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