Father stabbed to death in row over beer mats

A FATHER was stabbed to death in a busy London pub in an argument over people throwing beer mats.

The victim, named locally as Danny Leahy, a builder and father-of-two, was stabbed by two men up to six times at the Victoria pub in Barking on Monday night.

Mr Leahy's friends said the killers were "causing trouble" by throwing beer mats at a pensioner after he tried to help the landlady throw them out.

A friend of Mr Leahy, whose uncle witnessed the murder, said: "These two lads came in and started causing trouble. They were throwing beer mats at an old man who was minding his own business.

"Eventually the manager had to ask them to leave. Danny went to check she was alright because she was on her own. That's the kind of man he was, always thinking of others.

"Something was said and that's when Danny was attacked. I heard he was stabbed in the back, the front and the stomach."

A police source said: "It appears to have been a minor matter that got out of hand."

A post-mortem examination was due to take place today at Queen's Hospital in Romford, when the victim will be formally identified.

Mr Leahy's friend, Tommy Dempsey, was with him hours before his death. He said: "I've known Danny since he was knee-high, I'm devastated. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold."

The two suspects fled the scene and are being hunted by police.