Headley murder: Man killed and others seriously injured after disturbance at 'swingers party'

Mark Chandler25 July 2016
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A man has been murdered and several other people were left seriously injured after a "shooting" at a party in a quiet Surrey village, police say.

Emergency services were called to Church Lane in Headley at 2.30am today following reports of violence at the event.

The body of a man, aged in his 30s, was found inside the property while a number of other people were injured.

It is alleged the party is an annual event organised for swingers, with some guests believed to have paid to come from abroad to attend.

A man was found shot dead at the house in Headley, Surrey
Eddie Mitchell

Officers confirmed they are treating the incident as a shooting but said a post-mortem examination is to be carried out to find out the exact cause of the man's death.

One local resident, who did not want to be named, said last year there was 'chaos' after a party at the house.

An aerial photograph shows debris strewn on the lawn of the property after the party 
Eddie Mitchell

He told MailOnline: "Police were called there last year at around 5am because of noise. People who attended had bought tickets and were bussed in, as were lots of scantily clad women.

"We heard that there was another event planned last night and police went round to remind them of their responsibilities.

"It appears they were called back a few hours later and it is not clear if the man was found dead in the house or outside."

Although no one has been arrested so far, Surrey Police say they are "following up a number of lines of inquiry".

Chairman of the parish council David Preedy said he believed the incident happened at a poolside party in the garden of a house near the local church.

Yesterday evening he contacted local police about the event, following a similar party at the property last year when coachloads of people turned up to the 250-house Surrey village.

Cllr Preedy told the Standard: “It’s not the sort of thing we expect in a community like this.

“Until we know the details it’s difficult to know exactly what the impact on the community of this is.

“We’re a quiet village where not much happens.”

David Baxter, who has friends in Church Lane, said the incident happened at a house which is rented out for parties.

He said: "It was a group of African-origin people. There was a smashed car, glass everywhere.

"The house is next to the church and it is rented out for parties. They paid in euros, so they may not even be from England."

Another resident said: "I drove past the house last night and there were lots of people, there were cars parked everywhere, in people's driveways. There were lots of women in brightly coloured African dresses.

"I drove past again at 5.30am on my way to work and it was cordoned off, it had all kicked off."

He added: "The house is owned by a developer from Mitcham who rents it out for parties."

A police spokesman said: "A police cordon is in place and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours while the investigation continues."

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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