Orpington man arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal crash in Esher

A man from Orpington has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal crash in Esher.

The murder investigation was launched following the death of a 37-year-old male moped driver on July 1.

The incident at 6.20am on A244 Claremont Lane involved a car and a moped.

The victim, a man from Leatherhead, died from his injuries.

His family have been informed.

Police have arrested a 52-year-old man from Orpington on suspicion of murder.

The suspect remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Police have said that the investigation is still in early stages, but a specialist group of officers are constantly working to follow up on enquiries.

As part of the police operation, part of A244 Claremont Lane where the incident happened is currently cordoned off.

Police are asking for any witnesses or individuals with any useful dashcam footage of the collision to come forward.

Any information about a red moped and a white Seat Ibiza is being requested.

Police have also referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct due to their previous contact with the suspect.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Natalie Pearce said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.

“Our investigation is in the very early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to follow up enquiries.

“The road remains closed but we hope it will be re-opened later this evening.

“We are hoping to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, anyone that may have any dashcam footage of the collision, or anyone who may have seen a red moped and a white Seat Ibiza in the area in the moments before the collision.

“We are especially interested in the manner of driving by these two vehicles.

"We have also referred ourselves to the IOPC due to previous police contact with the suspect."

A spokesperson for Surrey Police: “A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Esher this morning (1 July).

“Officers were called at around 6.20am to A244 Claremont Lane, between the junction of Copsem Lane and Milbourne Lane, after receiving several calls about a collision between a car and a moped.

“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 37-year-old man from Leatherhead was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His family have been informed and our thoughts remain with them.

“A 52-year-old man from Orpington has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time.”