A man has been arrested for the alleged murder of two gay men.
According to reports from the British police, the accused, Yostin Andres Mosquera, a 34-year-old black man was arrested after the remains of the two men were found in a briefcase.
The victims, identified as 62-year-old Albert Alfonso and 71-year-old Paul Longworth were said to have been previously in a relationship, and still live together at a flat Shepard’s Bush. They were known to the suspect, who had been staying with them for a short period of time, police said.
Although the police claimed there was no homophobic motive for committing the crime, but the incident was addressed as a ‘hate crime’ under national guidelines.
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Speaking on the incident, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said:
‘My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news.
‘While we do not believe either of them had any close family, we have identified other next of kin who have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
‘We are continuing to try and identify any extended family members.
‘I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents in Shepherds Bush but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London.
‘I hope it will be of some reassurance that whilst enquiries are still ongoing and the investigation is at a relatively early stage, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the two murders.
‘Officers have worked with the pan-London LGBTQ+ Independent Advisory Group (IAG) since the identity of the two victims and their sexuality was established. Their advice, expertise and support for the investigation has been extremely valuable.
‘We will continue to work with them, and with other partners including local IAGs, as the investigation and the policing response continues.’
