DETECTIVES have yet to make any arrests over the death of a man found seriously injured in an alleyway in South Norwood on Saturday morning.
Murder detectives are investigating after Michael Hunt, 37, was found badly beaten off Station Road and died in hospital hours later.
The father, from Wexford in Ireland, lived nearby and is thought to have moved to London around six years ago.
In a Facebook post just before Christmas, he told family and friends how much he missed them, saying: "Happy new year everryone miss and love all me family and friends...Xxx".
Locals said he was well-known in the area as "Irish Mike," often seen out and about in shops and pubs.
Speaking on Saturday, DCI Diane Tudway appealed for the public's help in working out what had happened to him.
She said: "The man was found on his own, seriously injured, in an alleyway between an estate agents and a supermarket in Station Road, South Norwood.
"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."
Police have not formally identified the victim, with a post-mortem taking place yesterday and today at Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley.
Croydon councillors were due to meet with police this evening for a briefing on the situation.
