Walton stab victim 'did not deserve it' say neighbours

Unemployed, Mr Francis, 49, died from a stab wound to the chest while he was at home in Hurtwood Road, on the Field Common Estate.

Surrey Police attended the scene shortly before 9pm, following a call from a member of the public.

Paramedics and officers did all they could to save his life but he was announced dead at 9.30pm. It is believed he died in the arms of a neighbour.

One, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "He was a nice guy, harmless and did not deserve it."

It is believed Mr Francis's father died last year and his mother, who lives in Devon, was due to visit him on Wednesday October 7.

The neighbour added: "We saw him in the street and gave him a wolf whistle because he'd had his haircut. He said his mum was coming to stay. I don't think she'd been up here in a long while. The sad thing is she arrived on Wednesday to find out."

Speaking about Mr Francis, a close family member said: "Kevin was a kind man who was well liked by everyone who knew him.

"He was always willing to help people and do them favours. The address in Hurtwood Road was his home for 11 years and he was well known in the area with many friends.
"He leaves behind two daughters and a granddaughter."

A post-mortem examination carried out at the Royal Surrey County Hospital revealed he died as a result of a stab wound to the chest.

Officers cordoned off the home and have been searching neighbours gardens. They recovered a knife from the home and further inquiries and searches are being carried out to ascertain whether it is linked to the death.

Mr Francis lived in the two-storey terrace with his wife Julia and her son.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and this morning Magistrates at Staines Magistrates Court granted Surrey Police authority to detain him in custody for a period of a further 36 hours.

The 49-year-old woman who was arrested yesterday afternoon is still in custody.

Neighbour, Heather Hogg, who had her garden searched by police along with others, said: "We didn't really know him to talk to but if we saw him we would wave.

"He seemed a quiet man who liked to keep himself to himself. He helped neighbours out, like if we ever needed our plants watering, if we were going out, he would."

Another neighbour, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said: "He was a very pleasant man. He would often pass here on his bike and would often shout out to say good morning."

Surrey Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.