A MAN who died after being found seriously injured in South Norwood this morning was well-known in the area as 'Irish Mike,' locals said this evening.
Murder detectives are investigating after the 37-year-old man was found shortly after 7am this morning alone in an alleyway off Station Road.
He has not been publically identified by police, but locals said he lived nearby and was often seen out and about in shops and pubs.
The Advertiser understands he was found badly beaten and inside a rubbish bin, in the alleyway between Benson estate agents and Peacocks clothing store.
He died at midday after being taken by ambulance to King's College Hospital, after emergency services were called by a member of the public.
Kandiah Subodaran, who owns Kupra News and Counter News in High Street next to Station Road, said another shopkeeper had found the body while opening that morning.
Mr Subodaran added: "They are shocked and we are shocked as well.
"He was a local customer, no trouble. His mother lives nearby.
"I have known him coming in here about ten years.
"I saw him I think two or three days ago."
Local resident Trevor French, 52, said he first met 'Irish Mike' about six years ago.
He said: "He was a quiet guy, done his own thing, never really seemed like he bothered anyone."
Bill Park, 55, said: "I have only lived here for about six months so I did not know him that well.
"He was always nice enough to me. It is awful."
The owner of a nearby hairdresser, who asked not to be named, added: "He has been around this area for a long time.
"Sometimes he would come down here and ask for a bit of change.
"I cannot remember the last time I saw him personally but it would have been recently."
A police cordon was still in place around the scene late this evening, as forensics teams gathered evidence.
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing. A post-mortem is due to be held.
Police are appealing for the public's help in working out what happened.
DCI Diane Tudway said this afternoon: "We do not know, at this time, how the victim sustained his injuries, nor have we established a motive for any attack on him.
"If you have any information that can help us understand how this man was hurt and who may have been involved, please contact the incident room on 020 8721 4005.
"To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
