Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following a fatal attack that police suspect to be homophobically motivated at a historic east London cemetery.
The Metropolitan Police said they were called to Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park by the London Ambulance Service at around 7am on Monday, following reports that a 50-year-old man had been found unresponsive.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, with a subsequent post-mortem examination finding the cause of death was 'blunt force trauma to the head', police said.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and taken into custody at an east London police station.
Police said searches are ongoing at the scene and at a residential address in Tower Hamlets.
Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following a fatal attack that police suspect to be homophobically motivated at a historic east London cemetery
The victim's next of kin have been informed.
Detective Superintendent Pete Wallis, of the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said the arrest 'marks a significant development' and appealed for people with information to come forward.
He added: 'Throughout our inquiries we have spoken to numerous members of the public, conducted house-to-house inquiries in the area and have trawled hours of CCTV, but we still need to hear from anyone who was in the area around Cemetery Park during the early hours of August 16.
'The victim was attacked in what is suspected to be a homophobically motivated attack, but we remain open-minded.
'The investigation team are working with the LGBT advisory group.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, with a subsequent post-mortem examination finding the cause of death was 'blunt force trauma to the head', police said
'This investigation is fast-paced, I would ask that people are aware of their surroundings and are vigilant in their personal safety.
'The concern caused by the discovery of a body in these circumstances sends ripples throughout the community and may result in people discussing information that they have.
'I urge anyone who hears anything relating to this murder to get in touch without delay.'
Superintendent Mike Hamer, from the Met's Central East Leadership and Support, added: 'We are shocked by the nature of this horrendous and brutal attack.
'Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends at this time.
Police said searches are ongoing at the scene and at a residential address in Tower Hamlets
'We, and our partners within Tower Hamlets, are supporting the investigation team and are absolutely committed to bring the offender/s to justice.'
A crime scene remains in place at the cemetery grounds and the local community is told it can expect an increased police presence.
Anyone with information can call the incident room on 0208 345 3865, phone 101, or tweet @MetCC quoting 1277/16, or visit the website: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS21S81-PO1.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
