Man bailed in connection with 'mistaken identity' killing outside pub in Borough

 
Victim: flowers were left at the scene where Christopher Foster was stabbed on Friday night. Main image: Nigel Howard
Nigel Howard
Staff|Agency8 December 2013
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A man arrested in connection with the 'mistaken identity' killing of a man outside a London pub has been bailed.

Father-of-one Christopher Foster, 34, was stabbed to death in an alleyway outside Borough High Street's St Christopher's Inn as he had a cigarette with a friend.

Scotland Yard said today that the arrested man, who is 30, has been bailed until late January pending further enquiries.

Mr Foster was attacked by a hooded gang who were brandishing baseball bats and at least one knife.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information.

On Friday November 29, police were called at approximately 11:45pm to reports of a man stabbed in Borough High Street.

Both police and London Ambulance Service went to the scene and he was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he died at 1:05am on Saturday.

He was later identified as Mr Foster, from Southwark, who worked in administration for a firm of lawyers, was not married and was father of a four-year-old girl.

A post-mortem examination at Greenwich Public Mortuary last Sunday gave cause of death as a single stab wound to the back.

Officers believe Mr Foster's murder was a case of mistaken identity.

Witnesses said they saw seven suspects wearing hooded clothing carrying baseball bats and at least one knife.

Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin said: "At this stage of our investigation, we believe this to be a case of mistaken identity.

"Mr Foster was stabbed as he stood halfway down the alleyway with his back to the suspects.

"Five of the suspects then carried on down the alley and were involved in a separate altercation with another male, who managed to get away, and this male's friend. The male friend received a hand injury but did not require hospital treatment.

"I would ask anyone with information about the suspects or any witnesses to please come forward."

Five of the suspects made off south down Borough High Street and tried to get into another bar, Belushi's. They then turned left and ran down Mermaid Court.

The remaining two suspects made off separately.

Jean Foster, Mr Foster's mother, said on behalf of the family:"Chris, as you all know now, was a well loved man. The family has kept a low profile to concentrate on his daughter's care and well-being, leaving the police to get justice for Chris."

Last Sunday a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and was subsequently bailed to return on a date in early February pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room on 020 8345 3865 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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