Woman, 28, & man, 54, arrested on suspicion of murder after ‘grandfather figure’ found dead weeks after vanishing
A WOMAN and a man have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a “grandfather figure” was found dead weeks after he disappeared.
An investigation had been launched after 65-year-old Michael O’Donnell was found dead at a property in Southall, west London, at around 11am on Wednesday.
London Ambulance Service had deployed its officers to the address, following reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.
On the same day, after paramedics discovered the body, a 54-year-old man from the area was arrested on suspicion of murder and of prevention of a lawful burial.
He currently remains in custody, Metropolitan Police said.
A 28-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Metropolitan Police said that while its officers had yet to formally identify the victim, it is confident that Michael was the victim.
Shaken neighbours have spoken of their heartbreak after the death of the “gentle, grandfather figure” at the west London property.
One neighbour told Metro: “He was a lovely guy, like a grandfather figure. He was well liked by everyone.
“Just a nice man. To think of him laying dead is heart-breaking.”
A woman who lives in the same building as Mr O’Donnell said: “He was very kind and he always held the door for us and said ‘no, you go’, so a very nice guy.”
Concerns had been raised over Michael’s welfare, as he had not been seen since February 24, while residents nearby had also reported an unpleasant smell that had been getting worse for many weeks.
They described how they had first noticed the “horrible” smell around three weeks ago before it began to get “worse and worse”.
The fire brigade were deployed but concluded the smell was from the bins, despite neighbours having to “cover their faces” as the smell was “so bad”.
Eventually, they said, a cleaner in the block asked about the smell, notifying housing management, which led to the police and emergency service call – leading to the discovery of Michael’s body.
Locals said Mr O’Donnell was frequently visited by his son, but otherwise kept to himself.
One neighbour who lives below the victim has said the alleged murder scarred her.
She told the BBC she was “shocked” by Michael’s death, adding she would now tell others to “keep their doors locked” and not allow her two daughters to walk to school.
Cops are currently appealing to anyone who may have seen Michael over the past two months to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Family liaison officers are supporting Michael’s family at this distressing time and my thoughts remain with them.
“We continue to work diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to Michaels’ death and I would ask any local residents to take a careful look at these images to check whether they know him.
“Have you seen him since Monday, 24 February either alone or with anyone else?”
If you have any information which could help, contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference CAD2369/23APR.
You can also report information online by visiting the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) Website, or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A statement from Metropolitan Police said previously: “Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service following concerns for the welfare of a man at 10:56hrs on Wednesday, 23 April in Samara Drive.
“Sadly, a man was found dead at the address.
“A 54-year-old man from Southall was arrested on suspicion of murder and preventing a lawful burial on Wednesday, 23 April. He remains in custody.
“A 28-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.”