Brentford Man Killed in Football Fight

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Stephen Ritchie dies from head injuries after playing game

Two men have been charged following the death of a man from Brentord in Harlington on Sunday 30th November.

They were called shortly after 12:20pm to Little Harlington Playing Fields, Sipson Lane following reports of a man having been assaulted. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 13:05.

He has been named as Stephen Ritchie, aged 43. Stephen had just taken part in a game of football when, following the final whistle, he became involved in an altercation with members of the opposing team. He was playing for Old Greenfordians in a match against Kinghill Town.

A post mortem this morning gave the cause of death as a head injury. His death is being treated as suspicious and an incident room has been opened under DCI Nicky Wall of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC).

Two men have been charged in relation to the incident. Darren Forwood aged 20 of Frays Avenue, West Drayton will appear in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on 2nd December charged with murder. Brandon Thompson aged 20 of Widmore Road, Hillingdon will appear charged with ABH.

Anyone with any information should contact the incident room on 0208 358 0300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Statement of the family of Stephen Ritchie Stephen Paul Ritchie 19 /08 / 1965 to 30 /11 / 2008 The devastating death of Steve last Sunday has suddenly removed from his family and friends a good-humoured, family man and a keen sports fan. Steve's love of football was well known but the memories held by his family are also of determination to get the best out of each day, willingness to help, love of family life and finding laughter and humour in all of life's daily adventures. Stephen will be sorely missed by his partner Tracie and her daughters Lauren and Lucy his mum, Lily Hutter, stepfather Louis Hutter and brother Dave Ritchie. Stephen was close to his daughter Leah and was incredibly proud to be a grand father to Leah and her partner Greg's daughter Isabella who was born in April 2007. There is no possible way that the family can begin to comprehend what has happened to Steve, his presence in their lives was bigger than his shadow. Everyone who knew Steve from his many interests will however agree that he would not want sadness or despair to be his memory; he would insist that only the good thoughts must be carried forward and that will be the epitaph of a good father, brother, grandfather, son and man.

 

December 5, 2008